Best Hiking Trails in San Jose

 

 

San Jose has plenty of wide-open spaces to enjoy 300 days of sunshine. Whether you’re looking for a nature walk or a rigorous workout, we have a wide range of options for all skill levels and abilities. Brought to you in partnership with the AllTrails community.

Easy

Almaden Lake Park
Approx. time: 35 minutes | Length: 1.4 miles | Elevation gain: 29ft | Dog-friendly

Circle Almaden Lake for a mellow lake-side walk. The route also welcomes fishing and road biking.

Montgomery Hill Park
Approx. time: 48 minutes | Length: 1.6 miles | Elevation gain: 239ft: | Dog-friendly

This family-friendly loop trail offers a customizable experience with a great view. The trail welcomes different skill levels and paces.

Coyote Creek Trail, Hellyer County Park
Approx. time: 2.5 hours | Length: 6 miles | Elevation gain: 101ft | Dog-friendly

The smooth out-and-back trail is perfect for all skill levels to enjoy a day in the sun. This trail is popular for walking, biking and running.

Guadalupe River Park Trail
Approx. time: Varies | Length: 10.1 miles | Elevation gain: 170ft | Dog-friendly

The Guadalupe River Park connects Downtown San Jose to the San Francisco Bay and is one of the more popular trails in San Jose due to its accessibility and paved walkway. Walk along the river and enjoy the public art presented by San Jose Walls and the Guadalupe River Park Conservatory.

 

Moderate

Coyote Peak and Ridge Trail Loop, Santa Teresa County Park
Approx. time: 2 hours | Length: 3.8 miles | Elevation gain: 705ft | Dog-friendly

This loop trail is great for beginners looking for more of a challenge, with variations of incline and flat ground. The trail isn’t just for hiking – additional activities include horseback riding, birdwatching and mountain biking.

Alum Rock South Rim Trail
Approx. time: 2.25 | Length: 4.3 miles | Elevation gain: 770ft

This shady trail provides a scenic view, creek and tons of greenery. The loop includes inclines and uneven ground for a more moderate but achievable hike.

Cottle Trail to Calero Reservoir and Lisa Killough Trail
Approx. time: 4 hours | Length: 8.3 miles | Elevation gain: 744ft

Mountain biker’s love this loop trail in the South San Jose neighborhood. This trail is great for a nature walk with wildflowers blooming along the trail, pelicans near the lake, and cows and deer grazing the range.

 

Advanced

Sierra Vista and Calaveres Fault Trail, Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
Approx. time: 5.5 hours | Length: 9.5 miles | Elevation gain: 2,372ft

The out and back trail provides a more advanced hike and run with a scenic view.

New Almaden Trail
Approx. time: Varies | Length: 14.2 miles | Elevation gain: 2,093ft | Dog-friendly

This mostly shaded scenic trail is great for more novice hikers. Though this trail is quite long, hikers can always adjust and go at their own pace. Keep an eye out for tiny creatures and furry friends.

Mount Hamilton Ride
Approx. time: Varies | Length: 35.9 miles | Elevation gain: 4,921ft

The lengthy out and back trail provides a customizable more challenging trek to the highest peak in Silicon Valley leading to Lick Observatory. This hike consists of several climbs with flats and downhills in between. While you can hike this trail, it is predominantly a biking trail due to its length and incline.

 

Looking for more outdoor fun? Check out our Things to Do: Outdoors and Nature page to plan your next adventure.

 

Trail information from AllTrails.