SVEADAL — Gridlock is common here in the Bay Area, but usually it's on the major freeways. But now traffic backups are happening outside of a little known park in Santa Clara County.
It's easy to see why Uvas Canyon County Park is so popular with nature lovers. The waterfalls are gushing thanks to all the recent rains.
"It's a great place to get outside and enjoy nature," said Casey Miller, who came to the park from San Jose with her two dogs.
The problem is that the park is accessible only by a one-lane road. Residents are tired of tourists causing traffic and parking on private property as they set off to hike in Uvas Canyon.
"We've had caravans, practically, going through the private property to reach the park," said Sveadal resident Daria Peterson.
The parking lot at the park and fills up quickly. Visitors who show up without a reservation may just get turned around at the entrance.
The volume of cars has made her neighbors concerned about their safety, she said.
"The biggest effect it has on us is if there's any emergency situation," said Peterson. "If anybody falls, if anybody gets hurt. If there's a fire."
