Calero Reservoir

The reservoir is open year-round to both power and non-power vessels. Power boating, sailing, fishing, waterskiing and jetskiing are all activities for which Calero Reservoir is ideally suited. Two sites near the water's edge include picnic tables and barbecues, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A reservable group picnic area is also available.

CATCH AND RELEASE... PLEASE DON'T EAT THE FISH - Mercury has been found to accumulate in Calero Reservoir at levels that make the fish from Calero Reservoir unsafe to eat. The nearby Almaden Valley area of Santa Clara County was once the site of quicksilver (mercury) mining. Sediments containing mercury have been deposited in some of the local reservoirs. Over time, the mercury in the sediment may have been converted to methyl mercury by naturally occurring bacteria. Methyl mercury is absorbed by aquatic plants and fish, and subsequently by humans who may eat the contaminated fish.

The boat launch area and the park office entrance are both located off McKean Road. Traveling to the park from Central San Jose, take Almaden Expressway south to Harry Road. Turn right onto Harry Road, then left onto McKean Road. The reservoir is on the right, about 3 miles south of Harry Road. Traveling to the park on southbound Highway 101, use the Bernal Road exit in San Jose and turn right. Turn left onto Santa Teresa Boulevard, and right onto Bailey Road. Traveling on northbound Highway 101, take the Cochrane Road exit west in Morgan Hill, turn right onto Monterey Highway, then left onto Bailey Road.