Anderson Lake in Morgan Hill: What's Open Right Now

moshe1661

Sep 28

3 min read

Anderson Reservoir at a reduced water level during the Anderson Dam seismic retrofit, with a safety boom line across the water

If you've lived here a while, you probably have a favorite Anderson Lake memory.

If you're new, you've probably heard about the lake before you even got here.

Both groups ask us the same thing.

"Can you still use the lake?"

Short answer: not the way you used to. Here's what's going on and what's still worth visiting.

What Anderson Lake Is

Anderson Lake County Park sits east of downtown Morgan Hill. The reservoir is the largest in Santa Clara County, and the park around it has long been a local go-to for picnics, trails, and time on the water.

The park is run by Santa Clara County Parks. The dam that holds the water back belongs to Valley Water.

What's Different Right Now

Anderson Dam is getting a major seismic retrofit. It's a big, multi-year project, and during construction the reservoir is closed to the public, including boating and fishing.

We're not going to give you dates here. Timelines on projects like this move, and we'd rather you check the source than trust a blog post that goes out of date. Santa Clara County Parks and Valley Water both post current updates.

Construction crane at the new dam gate structure during the Anderson Dam seismic retrofit

Valley Water and Santa Clara Valley Water District staff on a tour of the Anderson Dam construction site

What's Still Open

Large parts of the park stay open during the work. That includes the Live Oak picnic area, the visitor center, and the Coyote Creek Parkway trail. Some sections near the dam close, so trails and areas close to it can change.

Before you go, check the county parks website for closures. It takes a minute and saves a wasted drive.

Where Locals Go for Water in the Meantime

If you want a lake day, a few good options are close by.

Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park has boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
Uvas and Chesbro reservoirs are good for fishing and a picnic.

For views and hiking instead of water, Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in Northern California, and Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve has wide valley views without a big time commitment.

Does It Matter If You're Buying Nearby?

It depends on why you're looking.

If the lake itself was the main draw, know that water access is limited right now and check the current status before you decide.

If you're drawn to the trails, the open space, and being close to the hills, the park still delivers a lot of that.

We can't tell you how the project will affect the value of a specific home, and we'd be cautious of anyone who says they can. What we can do is show you what's open today and how each neighborhood relates to it.

Our advice is the same as always. Go visit. Walk the trails, drive by on a Saturday, and see if it fits your life as it is today, not as it was in an old photo.

Looking at other parts of town? Read our guides to Jackson Oaks, Borello Ranch Estates, Paradise, and Coyote Estates.

Ready to See What's Available?

If a home near the trails and open space sounds right, the next step is simple. Let's talk through your budget, your timeline, and what you want day to day.

We can help you compare neighborhoods and properties and figure out what fits your situation.

Search current listings in Morgan Hill or schedule a call with Moshe to talk through what's available.

Moshe Fogel is a Bay Area real estate agent with Agam Real Estate, based in Morgan Hill, California. He specializes in helping families buy, sell, and invest across the Bay Area. Learn more about Moshe.