alum rock park

This is a beautiful park with many hiking trails full of wildlife (I saw multiple turkey vultures and deer on my hike). Some of the trails take you through shaded areas, while others have you out in the open climbing on steep hills. You can follow one trail uphill for a fantastic view of San Jose. One downside is that the trails aren't very well marked--you'll be on one trail, and then suddenly on another. Bring along a trail guide if you can find one. I went mid-day during the week and it wasn't very crowded. I passed only a few joggers during my 2.5 hours there. I was able to park in one of the free spots just outside of the park, but it's likely hit or miss during busier times since the lot is very small.

Weekday mornings are the best. If you go often enough, you realize there are a lot of regular walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers. The park has good, healing energy. It's hard to describe. I always feel better after going for a walk, hike, or just taking the kids. Weekends, however, suck. Too many people!

We love this place for a hike without having to go too far. You can do the main trails by the creek for a very rustic yet not overly challenging (i.e. no hills) but still gets your blood pumping. I consistently get in over 10,000 steps on any given hike. If you want more challenge head to one of the hills on either side of the main trail.

When I arrived the park was closed to traffic. In circling the side streets I so a man and woman dressed for hiking. I inquired about the parking and they encouraged me to park on the side street and join them. I had a great time with Steven and his sister Louise. The were happy to point out the local trees and plants. I was especially glad to know what the poison oak looked like!

Just make sure you go into the main entrance (pay for parking at the booth and go up the hill). We are so thankful to see a place like this preserved in the urban sprawl. Unfortunately one great walking path was closed due to mud/rock slides, but we were still glad we stopped by.

Awesome park that is both very outdoorsy for the serious hiker in you or the kick-back sort like me which likes a nice brisk walk with a picnic basket awaiting me in the car to enjoy in the picnic areas which are very both in social and secluded areas. Reservations for some picnic areas are recommended esp. during the summer. And the price for parking is $6.00. This is an awesome park with fantastic views from the very top...I hear!

Visitor center..open on sunday..correcting info first.Parking..free lot at entrance but is about 1.6 miles from visitor center. Inside parking $6. Take ur pick.No cell service inside. Pl note. We came with a group and couldnt coordinate..no service at all except once you hike up in open.we did 2 miles in north rim..easy hike n great with kids. My 3 yr old did it.Strongly recommended for hikes ..family or groups..on better weather. Today was bit cold.

Fee for parking. Can walk in but it's an addition to your hike! Beautiful paved walking trails & great hiking trails, too. Lots to observe so don't just watch your step! Fun bird watching, too.

We like hiking at Alum Rock Park. The location is so close, especially compared with many other places to hike. It offers a variety of trails, so you can hike shorter or longer, mostly flat or uphill. It was so peaceful to be able to sit on a bench and look over the valley.

Family fun day!! The age range ran from 85 to 15. We picked a walking path that was smooth and easy. A little museum, play area, picnic tables and benches to rest along the way. All clean! And fairly easy to push a wheelchair but it all depends on the path you pick.

I'm not much of an outdoorsy person but I was inspired by remnants of Christopher McCandles enough to check out this nearby trail. What a great experience! I hiked the entire trail along some of the nicest people in Alum Rock county.

This park is on the East side of San Jose, but it is generally safe and clean. An hour walk can lead you through many different types of terrains, there is seasonal creek, a dry glen and a friendly hill to climb.

Alum Rock Park is by the hill side of San Jose - as such, it can be warm during the summer months and sometimes dry in this area. The park however is a nice place to go for a picnic or for a walk/hike.

This is a gem of a park, as it can be many things to many people. There are BBQ/picnic grounds for family parties right off a parking lot. There are easy stream-side trails. Or, there are challenging winding hill climbs. Also a little nature museum with some cool live animals. Plenty of shade (in areas) , not too dusty (mostly) , and few biting bugs.This is also the oldest City park in CA, so you have plenty of history, too. The area with the mineral springs is fascinating!You can get up close with squirrels, Steller's Jays, and often deer (but don't get too close to those!). Great place to bring the kids. Many San Jose families have found it is a nice and inexpensive place to stage a family birthday party.The rangers are pretty cool and friendly. No camping. No smoking. NO DOGS! Not even cute little lap dogs. The squirrels have fleas that can carry diseases to your pooch, and a cornered squirrel can really bite up a dog not used to the wild. And, off the trail, there can be rattlesnakes. So, NO DOGS!One other thing- although there are a couple vending machines for drinks, and even water fountains, do remember to stay hydrated. Bring your water bottle!Note that some maps are outdated. The entrance is no longer off Alum Park but now is at the end of Pentitencia Creek road.

Alum Rock park is my least favorite park in all of San Jose. Yes, they have some great trails and historical sites. But, they do not consider all of the members of our families!! They do not allow dogs (on leash or off) anywhere in the park. I do not consider this fair!! My kids are grown and my dog is my family and goes everywhere with me. As long as he is a good dog and on a leash I do not understand why he would be band from enjoying a walk in this park. Well, keep your park dog free and we will go everywhere else!!