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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great hot summer day hike, as this trail provides plenty of shade relief. Check out the remnants of the mineral spring spa. The trail starts paved, then turns to dirt pack. Coming out of the trail brings you along Alum Rock, and back to the trailhead. Some portions of the trails are shared with both bicycles and equestrians. There are some switchbacks, as noted on the map, that make the elevation climb much less strenuous. There is currently a fee of $6.00 for parking inside the park, and dogs are not allowed. Trailhead: Take Interstate 680 to the Berryessa Road exit, and head East. Turn right onto Capitol Expressway, then left onto Penitencia Creek Rd. Follow Penitencia Creek to the entrance to Alum Rock Park. Follow the park road to end (passing a couple of additional parking areas). The trailhead is where the gate is, at the end of the parking lot. (Lat:37.39278 Lon:-121.79839) Trail Guides for Alum Rock Park - South Rim: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: City of San Jose Park Rangers (408) 259-5477 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bruce Jansen, who has posted 1 other hike on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Sean on 3/6/2007 This is a very enjoyable hike. I prefer to hike up the backside of the trail in the mid afternoon so that by the time I get to the shadeless side of the mountain the sun is setting and the tempurature is much more comfortable. Flowers are abundant in mid-spring to the summer. 
Reviewed by Gunther on 6/13/2006 Pleasent trip, starts out rather rugged but then dissapoints in the intensity level. The view is nice, but not spectacular. The on site lizzards are not extremely friendly which was a sad point of the hike. Picnic bench spots are not placed in good viewing areas. One must find their own spot to sit on the hillside. The flowers are pretty along with the moss which adds much needed greenery to the scenery. The path is shaded which makes for a very good summer climb. Reccomend bringing water and pastrami or ham sandwiches, it definately adds to the character of the experience.
Reviewed by Sheila on 5/16/2006 Great view of the summit, a bit steep in some areas and really hot in the afternoon but tolerable becuase of all the shade around the bend. I hiked in the afternoon at 2 and the temp was 85 degrees so it is a great summer hike. The park fee was only applicable on the weekend. Besides the climb of switchbacks in the beginning (first mile) it was fabulous. 
Reviewed by lp on 2/24/2006 Great!
Reviewed by Bob on 8/22/2005 We always take visitors on the Alum Rock hike because it shows a side of Silicon Valley that isn't obvious at first glance. The grottos suggest a past that was different and interesting and the walk is just about right for most people - not too difficult, but strenuous enough to break a sweat. My only disappointment is that the back-country and reservoir are off-limits. And clearly, the $6 fee does discourage walkers; on Sunday 8/21/05 between 9:30AM and 11:30AM we saw exactly one (1!) other person on the trail.
Reviewed by Marge on 9/9/2004 Fabulous view at the top of South Rim trail. Coming down toward the mineral springs can be difficult as it's steep and the dirt in the summer is loose. The hiker is treated to different types of terrain, vegetation and animal life. It's fantastic. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Santa Clara County Hiking, Santa Clara County Trails, Santa Clara County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||