Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a fairly small park. You can get in about 15 miles of riding here by hitting all the trails but they are not all very interesting. The park includes 2 mountains, Bernal Hill and Coyote Peak. There is a large central area with open fields and picnic facilities. Water and bathrooms are available here.

The best trails start out with Stile Ranch which is a technical rocky switchback ascent to Mine Trail. From here I like to make a loop on Hidden Springs to Coyote Peak and down Rocky Ridge Trail. This is the most fun and difficult trail in the park. The top is open and fast but very rocky, beware of pinch flats here. The lower section is much tighter and even rockier. For a challenge try riding up this section. To get in some extra mileage you can make a loop the other direction on Hidden Springs to Norred to Joice and Bernal Hill Loop. Joice is a very steep but short climb and there are some decent views from Bernal Hill but the trails are unremarkable fire road. Ohlone Trail is newly open to mountain biking and I havent had a chance to ride it yet. After coming down from Bernal Hill I like to circle around on Mine and take Fortini back to the car. Fortini is a fairly flat fast and fun singletrack but its rather short.

To reach the main entrance take the Bernal exit off 101 and head all the way to the south end. To reach my preferred entrance, take 101S to Bailey road East. At the end of Bailey turn right onto McKean Rd. Follow McKean for a few miles, past the big right turn. Turn right at the 2nd turnoff lane which is Fortini Rd. Follow Fortini to the end and make a left, there will be a small dirt lot on the right.

Helmets are required as in all Santa Clara County Parks. Also watch out for radar rangers here. Last time I saw them on the steep section of Mine trail from Stile to Fortini.