Parks in San Jose
The park is the site of over 135 years of mining activities with remnants of mining structures throughout the park. All mines and adits have been sealed except for the San Cristobal mine that can be viewed from behind a locked gate. The park covers a total of 4,152 acres with over 34 miles of hiking trails, some of which are shared with equestrians and bicycles. Wildflowers are abundant in the park in early spring. There is drinkable water at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances. For a map of the park, please click here
Please click on GET FULL REVIEW to view photos and learn more about the Bay Area Older Adults Almaden Quicksilver County Park trip attended by BAO members.
This is one of the oldest city of San Jose parks and hosts covers 13 miles of trails open to hikers including six miles of horse trails and three miles of dirt bicycle trails. The park is located within Alum Rock Canyon and covers both shaded trails and trails more open to the sun. Plant and animal life include holly leaf cherry tree, sagebrush, sycamore, maple, white alder, red willow, different types of oak trees, Madrone, California buckeye, toyon, wild rose, sticky monkey flower, wild blackberries, black tailed deer, brush rabbits, quail, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, Stellar jays and bobcats. There is water and restrooms throughout the park including trail entrances (but not along the trails). For a map of the park, please click here
This is a 3,493 acre park hosting California oak woodland, chapparal and riparian plant life and wildlife as well as a reservoir. There are 18.6 miles of trails that are available to hikers and equestrians with elevation changes from 500 to 1500 feet. There are restrooms. For a park map, please click here
There is a paved multi-use trail moves along Coyote Creek for 15 miles. It is used by hikers, bicyclists and rollerbladers, For a map, please click here
Guadalupe Gardens features a renowned Heritage Rose Garden with over 3,700 varieties of roses. Guadalupe River Park is a three mile ribbon of park land that runs along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San Jose.
Hellyer County Park is 354 acres with Coyote Creek running through the middle of the park. The visitor center has natural history displays. The creek channel is home to many different species of wildlife. There is also a one mile self guided nature trail located along the Coyote Creek that offers information about the local flora, fauna and wildlife. There are multiple restrooms throughout the park. Water is not available so please bring your own. For a park map, please click here
Joseph D. Grant County Park, is a 9,560 acre park with 52 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians. Mountain bikes are permitted on about half of the park's trails as designated. The trails cover the east foothills of the Santa Clara Valley with grasslands and oak trees. There are multiple restroom facilities. For a park map, please click here
The Los Gatos Creek Trail is shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters and non-motorized scooters. For a trail map, please click here
Penitencia Creek County Park is a 78 acre park with a four-mile trail that follows Penitencia Creek The trails are used by hikers, bikers and equestrians. There is a pond that is a stop on the migratory flyway. There are multiple restrooms along the trail. For a trail map, please click here
Santa Teresa County Park offers over 18 miles of unpaved trails for equestrian, hiking and bicycle use. Wildflowers are abundant from March through June on the Stile Ranch and other trails. A restroom facility and drinkable water are available. For a park map, please click here
This is a 1700 acre park containing a diversity of flora including grasslands, oak woodlands and oak savannas. There is only one trail, the three mile, multi-use Boccardo Loop Trail that is open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. This trail is a 1100 foot steep climb and can only be reached through Alum Rock Park via the North Rim and then Todd Quick trails. There is no potable water available. For a park map, please click here
