Hikes in Alum Rock Park
1 Jan 2012
Alum Rock Park in north San Jose is close to Alum Rock exit on Highway 101. Many people in south bay do not know that there is a park with great hiking trails right here, in San Jose!

Penitentia creek cuts through the park from West to East. Penitentia Creek Trail is a gently sloping trail that meanders next to the creek. To the north of Penitentia Creek lies Boccardo Loop, which is in the open, without forest cover. The Boccardo Loop gains 1300 ft to reach a hill top with awesome 360 degree views. To the south of Penitentia Creek lies the South Rim Trail, which is mostly forested.

Best time to visit: Boccardo Loop is in the open, so it gets hot in summers. The grass also dries out, making the hills brown. The best time is spring, when hills are lush green. In contrast South Rim Trail may be hiked at any time since it is mostly forsted.

Boccardo Loop

Boccardo Loop provides access to a hill at 1950 ft, which offers panoramic valley views. The route is in the open, without forest cover. Trails are gently sloping, with no particularly steep sections.

5.7 miles
1300 ft
Boccardo Loop from Youth Science Institute
Nice hike in Alum Rock Park with panoramic valley views.

8.0 miles
1600 ft
Boccardo Loop from Park Entrance
A pleasant hike with views of green rolling hills.

South Rim Trail

South Rim Trail lies in the south-east section of Alum Rock Park. It is mostly shaded. Trails are gently sloping, with no particularly steep sections.

4.2 miles
600 ft
South Rim Trail
A short, sweet hike in Alum Rock.

10.5 miles
2100 ft
Grand Loop in Alum Rock
A long loop covering all major trails in Alum Rock Park.

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