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 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.
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5.7 miles
1300 ft |
Boccardo Loop from Youth Science Institute |
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8.0 miles
1600 ft |
Boccardo Loop from Park Entrance |
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.
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4.2 miles
600 ft |
South Rim Trail |
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10.5 miles
2100 ft |
Grand Loop in Alum Rock |
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