Below is a list of the top and leading Hiking Trails in San Jose. To help you find the best Hiking Trails located near you in San Jose, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
San Jose’s Best Hiking Trails:
The top rated Hiking Trails in San Jose, CA are:
- Alum Rock Park – they have 13 miles of trails, including 6 miles of horse trails and 3 miles of bicycle trails
- Sierra Vista Point – 1,611-acre preserve offers 10 miles of hiking trails that include a 1.2-mile Aquila Loop Trail
- Almaden Quicksilver County Park – 37 miles of hiking trails, including 30 miles of equestrian trails and 16.6 miles of bike trails
- Boccardo Loop Trail – the 2.7-mile land that passes through grasslands & oak woodlands
-
Los Gatos Creek Trail – 17 miles of trails for hiking, biking, riding.
Alum Rock Park
Created in 1872 and one of California’s oldest municipal parks, Alum Rock Park is situated within a canyon at the feet of the Diablo Range. Moreover, the park’s 720 acres of natural beauty provide you with many leisure outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, picnicking, horseback riding, and more. Additionally, the park let you use their barbecue pits, picnic tables, water, and restrooms in most picnic areas, with lawns and a children’s playground.
Overall, the park’s trails are approximately 13 miles of trails, including 6 miles of horse trails and 3 miles of bicycle trails. Indeed, you and your family are welcome to hike on all trails, while equestrians and cyclists are required to use designated trails only.
Product/Services:
Trails, Wildlife Sanctuary, Picnic Areas, Educational Programs
LOCATION:
Address: 15350 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose, CA 95127, United States
Phone: (408) 259 5477
REVIEW:
“This is a great park close in San Jose. There are a lot of different levels of hiking trails (flat/easy and more difficult ones) so it is good for families and also people who would like a longer and more difficult hike. first two parking lots right after the gate are free (they are almost right next to each other) – it was quite easy to get a spot, nice paved parking lot too. There are also a lot of picnic/seating areas which is great. Most of them closed during covid.” – Christina Lee
Sierra Vista Point
Sierra Vista Point opened in 2011, connecting the Ridge Trail at the lower elevations with the Upper and Lower Calaveras Fault Trails and creating a long 8.9-mile Ridge Trail segment. It is a place with beautiful oak woodland and rolling grasslands and is home to many species, including deer, bobcat, and the threatened California red-legged frog and tiger salamander.
Moreover, this scenic 1,611-acre preserve offers 10 miles of hiking trails that include a 1.2-mile Aquila Loop Trail. However, to protect the natural resources and wildlife that call this place home, dogs are not allowed. Finally, Sierra Vista Point is a very exposed trail for much of the route, so start early on hot days.
Product/Services:
Hiking Trails, Woodland, Wildlife
LOCATION:
Address: Sierra Vista Trail, San Jose, CA 95127, United States
Phone: (408) 224 7476
Website: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/visitors/preserves/sierra.html
REVIEW:
“A great open and serene place where in the spring, wildflowers abound. Great views of the Bay, San Jose, and the mountains. One can pick from mild, moderate and difficult trails.” – Catherine Ellacer
Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a spectacular park in natural diversity and a landmark of California history. Furthermore, it is the site of over 135 years of mining activities and the former home to more than 1,800 miners and their families. Moreover, the parkland is about 4,163 acres, occupying a majority of Capitancillos Ridge.
In addition, in the early spring, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region. Also, the park includes over 37 miles of hiking trails, including 30 miles of equestrian trails and 16.6 miles of bike trails. Overall, the trails in the park are also open to everyone, including pet owners, to walk their dogs on leash.
Product/Services:
Trails, Special Events, Picnic Tables, School Fieldtrips, Custom Tours
LOCATION:
Address: 21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120, United States
Phone: (408) 268 3883
Website: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/almadenpark.aspx
REVIEW:
“I come to this park to bike; however, lots of people come here to walk. There are only a few bike trails and they are wide fire road type trails. But the trails on which bikes are permitted are fun with good mix of pain, rewards and views. Cool history and archeological sites throughout the park. When I come here, after biking the park, I descend to the west entrance and make a loop around the mountain for a 24 mile excursion. Whether you bike or hike, this is a really cool park to check out.”
Boccardo Loop Trail
Boccardo Loop Trail is part of Sierra Vista’s open space preserve offers amazing views of the valley and the opportunity to walk through diverse landscapes and greenery, including oak woodlands, grassland, and chaparral communities, characterized by their groups’ shrubs.
Furthermore, before you visit Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, you can download the OuterSpatial mobile app to engage in all aspects of preserving the easy-to-use interface and supportive features. All in all, you can stop at one of four benches along the trails to relax and enjoy the views while also enjoying multi-use trails open to other hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
Product/Services:
Bike Trails, Woodland, Grasslands, Rock Outcroppings
LOCATION:
Address: 5345 Sierra Rd, San Jose, CA 95132, United States
Phone: (408) 224 7476
Website: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/visitors/preserves/sierra.html
REVIEW:
“Great trails, with moderate elevation changes throughout overlooking San Jose. Occasionally there are cows out grazing and singing their songs. Parking gets filled throughout the day, so patience may be required to get a parking spot. Friendly rangers too.” – Andrew Palmer
Santa Teresa County Park
The Santa Teresa County Park is a 1,674-acre park situated in the hills of South Santa Clara County in San Jose, California, United States. Moreover, the majority of the land area consists of non-native grassland and mixed oak woodland. In addition, the park offers a variety of recreational activities such as electric carts rides, golfing, and over 17 miles of trails for hiking, biking, riding.
However, some of the trails are steep around Coyote Peak. Finally, Santa Teresa County Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year, with vehicle entry fees collected year-round and payments necessary to book the Pueblo Group Picnic Area.
Product/Services:
Recreational Activities, Golf, Trails, Archery Range, Picnic Area, Parking
LOCATION:
Address: Bernal Rd, San Jose, CA 95120, United States
Phone: (408) 225 0225
Website: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/SantaTeresa.aspx
REVIEW:
“Good trails and very nice views of San Jose. Sometimes there is a lot of foot traffic, and other times is quite lonely. You’ll see coyotes, bobcats, deers, and wild turkeys. Some trails are a bit steep, but are easy or moderate.” – A. G. (Recyclops)
Anna has lived in Dallas her whole life. She has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Anna covers national and local businesses.