Completed: May 28, 2023 | Elevation: 2,694′ | Trail: Knibbs Knob Trail (Out & Back) | Distance: 3.6 miles
I wish I had done more research about Uvas Canyon County Park and the unincorporated town of Sveadal prior to making the trip there. Because the hike in this park was sandwiched between our hike to Church and Mine Hills in Alamaden and two more summits still to be done, Mt. Madonna and Coyote Peak, we didn’t have extra time to spend but I after I learned about Sveadal and the other hikes in the park, I would have liked to.
The drive from Almaden to Uvas Canyon was beautiful—a narrow, winding road through a densely forested area that followed Uvas Creek. On our way we drove through Sveadal. The land was purchased in 1926 by the Swedish American Patriotic League and today its members have access to a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, playground and other amenities in an idyllic setting. We saw quaint cabins decorated with Sweden’s flag with charming Ikea-like names like Jämtland, Halland and Norrland. We thought the village was some kind of Swedish commune, but had we known that it was open to the public—some of the cabins are privately owned but others can be rented—we would have gotten out and walked around.
The same goes for Uvas Canyon County Park itself. There’s a waterfall loop trail that we didn’t have time for, and is likely the highlight of the park. We focused instead on completing our goal of summiting Knibbs Knob and arrived 15 minutes before our timed entry. Luckily, the ranger let us in.
After parking near the group picnic area, we walked along the road towards the campgrounds, across a small footbridge that crosses Swanson Creek and then found the trailhead for Knibbs Knob behind the group campsite.
This trail went up the entire 1.8 miles. There was little level ground. The first half-mile was a series of switchbacks with some shade but then the trail was exposed the rest of the way. After 1.6 miles we reached the junction to Knibbs Knob Peak Trail. At the top there was a picnic table nestled among the pine trees. We stayed long enough to eat a few apricots before the flies and mosquitoes drove us away. While we could have continued farther on Knibbs Knob Trail, we decided to turn around.
Going back down, while harder on the knees, afforded more expansive views as we could look out across the park. Bumblebees were everywhere, busy flitting from one bush to another.
By the time we finished this hike, it had taken us about 2 hours and it was almost 4:30. I really would have liked to walk the Waterfall Loop but we just didn’t have enough time. Instead, we got in the car and drove to Mt. Madonna County Park for our next hike.
Find an overview of our grand hike of the South Bay Nifty Nineties here.
Follow our progress bagging the Bay Area’s Nifty Ninety here.
Coda
Of all the South Bay parks that we visited, this is probably the one I would come back to visit. It location, nestled among the trees with its many creeks and waterfalls, makes it special. I can see how this would be a nice park to spend time during the hotter months and even camp. It’s proximity to Sveadal adds more to the charm as well.
Additional Info
- At the time we visited, a parking reservation/vehicle permit was required to enter the park. These are day passes that must be purchased in advance on the Santa Clara County Park’s website. The time slots start at 8:00 A.M. with an hourlong window during which you need to enter the park. The cost of the day pass is $6.