San Jose
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Description: Alum Rock Park is a San Jose city park in a steep walled canyon with thermal vents. The South side of the canyon contains hiking trails closed to bikes. The rest of the park has 6.5 miles of easy trail, much of which is in shade. Our recommended rides include an Easy Ride containing only 550 feet of climb and including The Penitencia Creek Trail, which is a 2.5 mile gentle fire road/paved road climb along the creek in the canyon and the 1.5 mile North Rim Trail and the short Weather Loop fire roads that provide a little more climb. Our recommended 1000 Footer adds the Todd Quick Loop, which is a 0.75 mile long switchback single track. Restrooms are in various location in Alum Rock Park.
Directions: Take Penitencia Creek Road from Capital Avenue. Park in the parking lot at the Alum Rock Park entrance (free). A link to the parking location in Google Maps is here. Penitencia Creek Trail begins at the parking lot.