Alum Rock Park

Alum Rock Park is California's first and oldest park. Nestled within the Alum Rock Canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Range, the Park's 720 acres of natural, rugged beauty, provide visitors with many leisure outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, family and group picnicking, and of course just relaxing.

Alum Rock Park did not obtain its present name until about the turn of the century. The park which was founded in 1872, was simply referred to as the "reservation." The name Alum Rock was derived from a huge rock that was believed to contain a high percentage of alum.

From 1890 to 1932, the park was a nationally known health spa with 27 mineral springs containing seven different minerals. Without a doubt, this was the park's most popular period. For a quarter, you could ride from downtown San Jose to the park on the Alum Rock Steam Railroad. The park charmed its visitors with mineral baths, an indoor swimming pool, a tea garden, restaurant and dance pavilion.

During the period between World War II and the early 1960s thousands of visitors came to the park from the booming Santa Clara Valley. The park became so overcrowded that the facilities could no longer be properly maintained, and the plant and animal communities were severely endangered.

As a result of this over-use, the park underwent a change from a facility with a multitude of uses to a more natural setting emphasizing family outdoor activities that result in reduced impact on the Park's natural environment.

There are approximately 13 miles of trails including six miles of horse trails and three miles of bicycle trails. Hikers are welcome on all trails, while equestrians and cyclists are requested to use designated trails only. Please observe trail designation and signs; don't endanger yourself and others by using inappropriate trails.

South Rim Trail follows the canyon rim to numerous look-out points with spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley and surrounding foothills. Hikers can make a loop around the canyon rim and then return down to the main area by way of the Creek Trail. The entire loop takes about two hours.

Creek Trail begins at the western end of the park and follows the old electric railroad bed along Penitencia Creek. This shaded and scenic trail is an excellent choice for the leisure hiker. This entire trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail in the National Trail System by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Woodland Trail wanders under the cool shade trees just below the park service road. Inspiration Point offers another vista of the Santa Clara Valley and a good view of the grassland and Eagle Rock on the canyon's north slope. This short trail is a little over a mile in length.

North Rim Trail begins at the west boundary of the park and proceeds along the north side of the canyon. Eagle Rock Overlook offers a panorama of the Santa Clara Valley and south end of the San Francisco Bay.

Todd Quick Trail traverses Alum Rock's newest addition on the north side of the park. It is a multi-use single track loop climbing from the North Rim Trail to a shaded rest site. The trail is dedicated to the memory of one of Alum Rock Park's most devoted and enthusiastic rangers, who passed away in 1991.

What used to be the main entrance on Alum Rock Ave is now closed to vehicles. The new main entrance is what used to be the back entrance, on Pennitencia Creek Rd. You may still bike into the park from Alum Rock Ave but parking near there is limited.

Main Entrance: Exit Berryessa Rd off Highway 680 and head east to Piedmont Rd. Turn right onto Piedmont and then left on Penitencia Creek Rd. Follow this road to the park entrance. Back Entrance: Exit Alum Rock Ave from Highway 680 and take Alum Rock East all the way to the park entrance.

http://www.sjparks.org/Parks/alumrock.htm