Ulistac Natural Area — Attraction in Santa Clara

This is a beautiful park for walking and admiring California native plants, especially in the spring after a good rain. They have many attractive varieties of sage that are in full bloom in early April, and flannel bush with its glowing yellow blooms. The different colors of ceanothus peaked in March. However, a lot of the plants are non-native species such as the grasses and mature eucalyptus. It's popular with birders, with a good combination of tall trees and understory for habitat.

Most of the paths should be wheelchair accessible, although I'm not sure if the entrances are wide enough for all mobility devices. The gates are narrow to keep people on off-road vehicles out of the park. If you avoid the animal tracks going through the grass and stay on the paths, you should be able to avoid ticks. Unfortunately, most of the interpretive displays are far enough from the trail you're likely to get ticks in the grass if you're close enough to read the displays. (Black legged ticks with Lyme disease are fairly new to Santa Clara County, but common enough now that the Peninsula Open Space Trust did a Livestream with a Lyme expert last month.)

Picnics are not permitted, but it's across the street from a park where there's a picnic area. Likewise, no restrooms, but the other park looks like it would have some.

This is a good place to walk dogs, but please keep your dog on a 6' leash and pick up after it.

This park connects to the Guadalupe River Trail on the east and there are other parks...

It was a fun and great afternoon walk. The weather of the day when I visited was warm around 21°C or 70F. A light breeze felt so nice , especially under the shade.

The place itself is beautiful. The spring colors are clearly visible with multiple flowers and colorful trees. The natural open space is great for walking, jogging, strolling, bicycling and running. Bird watching, butterfly watching and bee watching are another things to dedicate time to while you are there. The place is abundant in the species of flora and fauna. It stimulates you with eye catching colors, serene views and calming sounds . Birds chirping, bees humming and winds rustling leaves make for a really nice getaway from the human society. The wild colorful flowers and shrubs add to the experience.

Great place to just get a lunch sit under a shady tree and enjoy , or just bring over a nice book , sit and enjoy.

Parking is street parking, but easy enough to find. It feels more a maze and a criss-cross of different kind of habitats in California. Definitely a nice place to visit if you are in the neighborhood or just looking for a casual walk...

Ulistac is a beautiful 40 acre natural area created and maintained by volunteers. It's a relaxing place to go for a stroll and to enjoy the great variety of plants and wildlife. In the Fall and Winter, migratory birds start to attract Birders. Ulistac has often had rare bird sightings. It is also a great place to see Monarchs in all stages of life as well as a diverse variety of other butterfly species. If you prefer flowers and plant life, Ulistac has no shortage of gorgeous blooms and plants. When you walk through Ulistac, you are seeing the natural California landscape in all its glory. Other wildlife you are likely to see at Ulistac depending upon what time of year you visit are: Jackrabbits, California Quail, Northern Thrasher, Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers, several species of Hawks and other Raptors, Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Black Phoebes, Warblers, Wrens and an endless list of other bird species. They also have a Wildflower Day each year which offers free tours, live music and other entertainment.Please refer to their website or their FB page for this...