EquestrianTrails in San Jose

There are three entrances to the park with parking lots and staging areas at each entrance.  The park is the site of over 135 years of mining activities with remnants of mining structures throughout the park. The park covers a total of 4,152 acres with over 23 miles of equestrian trails.  Wildflowers are abundant in the park in early spring.  There are a few horse water troughs throughout the park and drinkable water at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances.

This is one of the oldest city of San Jose parks and hosts covers 13 miles of trails open to hikers including six miles of horse trails and three miles of dirt bicycle trails.  Horseback riding and bicycling are only on designated trails. The park is located within Alum Rock Canyon and covers both shaded trails and trails more open to the sun.  Plant and animal life include holly leaf cherry tree, sagebrush, sycamore, maple, white alder, red willow, different types of oak trees, Madrone, California buckeye, toyon, wild rose, sticky monkey flower, wild blackberries, black tailed deer, brush rabbits, quail, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, Stellar jays and bobcats.  There is water and restrooms throughout the park including trail entrances (but not along the trails).

This is a 3,493 acre park hosting California oak woodland, chapparal and riparian plant life and wildlife as well as a reservoir. There are 18.6 miles of trails that are available to hikers and equestrians. The elevation ranges from 500 to 1500 feet.  There is a  large equestrian staging area, three horse water troughs as well as horse rentals (408-268-2567).   There are restrooms.

There is a paved multi-use trail moves along Coyote Creek for 15 miles. It is used by hikers, bicyclists and rollerbladers,  South of Metcalf Road, an equestrian trail parallels the paved trail.

Joseph D. Grant County Park, is a  9,560 acre park with 52 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians. Mountain bikes are permitted on about half of the park's trails as designated. The trails cover the east foothills of the Santa Clara Valley with grasslands and oak trees.  There are multiple restroom facilities.

Martial Cottle Park has been agricultural land since 1864 and represents Santa Clara Valleys agricultural heritage and how the tradition of farming and sharing food continues to shape our landscape, people and history. There is about four miles of paved, flat trails open to pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, non-motorized scooters, equestrians, dogs on a 6-foot leash and roller bladers.

Mount Umunhum is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz mountain range at 3,486 feet.  From its summit, visitors can experience 360-degree views from the Pacific to the Sierra Nevada.  There is a 3.7-mile gradual uphill (1100 foot climb, 7.4 miles roundtrip) to the summit from the lower parking lot or you can park in the upper parking lot for a shorter but steep walk to the summit. The last 0.2 miles to the summit is a set of steep stairs. The trail has views along the way and some shade from the tree canopy. There are exhibits at the summit shelter and viewpoint around the historic radar tower and below. There is a Native American ceremonial space with exhibits explaining the significance of the mountain to the Native Americans. There are restrooms at the summit. There is no drinking water so please bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Penitencia Creek County Park is a 78 acre park with a four-mile trail that follows Penitencia Creek The trails are used by hikers, bikers and equestrians. There are multiple restrooms along the trail.

This is park of Calero County Park, and is an additional 996 acres with four main trails including longer routes that connect to Calero Reservoir and beyond for long rides. Most of the trails are exposed to the sun.  There is very little shade on most of the trails so bring lots of water and protect yourself from the sun. Cattle graze in this park. There are restrooms by the parking lot.

Santa Teresa County Park offers over 18 miles of unpaved trails for equestrian, hiking and bicycle use. Wildflowers are abundant from March through June on the Stile Ranch and other trails.  At the Bernal Road entrance, there is a restroom facility and drinkable water near the picnic area. The other entrance is at the Fortini trailhead off of McKean Rd.

This is a 1700 acre park containing a diversity of flora including grasslands, oak woodlands and oak savannas. There is only one trail, the three mile, multi-use Boccardo Loop Trail that is open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. This trail is a 1100 foot steep climb and can only be reached through Alum Rock Park via the North Rim and then Todd Quick trails or from Sierra Road. There is no potable water available.