Looking for a great short day hike within easy reach of San Jose and the broader Bay Area?  Alum Rock Park in San Jose California is a great option for a day visit with miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and fascinating history. 

Founded in 1872, this park is built around the former mineral spa that exploited the many natural mineral springs in the area.  From the late 19th century through the 1930’s, the park and its springs attracted many guests in search of relaxation and even healing from the warm mineral rich waters.

On November 14th, 2020, I decided to spend the morning exploring Alum Rock, and hiking the South Rim Trail.

Miles/Elevation:

4.3 miles round trip

770 feet of vertical gain

Getting to Alum Rock Park:

From Downtown San Jose, Alum Rock Park is less than a 20 minute drive (Bay Area traffic permitting of course!).  The park is also a mere 20 minutes from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, and about 45 minutes from San Francisco International.  

San Jose is not known for its excellent public transit, and this is no exception.  The closest bus I have been able to find would get you to Alum Rock, but that would still leave 2 or 3 miles of walking to actually get to the park.  

If you are traveling from outside the Bay Area, the best way to access Alum Rock Park likely would be to fly into either San Jose International or San Francisco International Airports and rent a car from there.

Be aware that there is a small parking fee inside the park.

Always be sure to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when in the outdoors.

The South Rim Trail:

Check out nearby Bear Creek Redwoods!

To access the South Rim Trail, drive into the park and continue along the main park road until you arrive at the Mineral Springs parking area. 

From here you will start your hike up the valley along the Mineral Springs Loop Trail.  I crossed the stream immediately from the parking lot, but I believe you can begin on either side of the ravine.

You will begin by travelling up a pathed path with the remnants of the former spa decaying around you.  This area was a busy and well known spa, and you will see many relics of the past. 

Old foundations, brick walls, aging bridges, it’s always cool to walk through a place with decaying ruins. 

It reminded me of walking through Rome and seeing a Roman wall, or a former bathhouse, or original Roman roads (obviously the ruins in Rome are much older, and therefore way cooler in my mind).  

Eventually, as you continue up the valley, you will leave the pathed trail and begin in a dirt track.  You leave behind the ruins of the old spa and enter a narrow ravine with dense forest.

Considering hiking in bear country? Be sure you are prepared to be bear safe. 

Head to Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve for more great views!

After arriving near the end of the valley, the switchbacks start.  This is the toughest section of the hike, as you will gain most of the 700 vertical feet of the hike in the next half mile to mile.  It is steep, but not excessively so, and it should be manageable for anyone as long as you take it slow. 

It’s worth slowing down a bit to take in the views of the forest as you climb.  You will begin to catch glimpses of the ridges as the views start to open up.  

Once you’ve arrived at the top of the switchbacks, you will be on the south rim, and you will have big sweeping views over the park and into San Jose.  The trail from this point continues along the rim, and the views continue to awe.  Once on top, the trail levels off and it is an easy walk through the meadows and pockets of forest.

For more great views of San Jose, head to Monte Bello Open Space Reserve!

To descend back down to the valley floor, you have two options.  The shorter route will take you down the Sycamore Switchbacks and will take a bit of mileage off the route. 

The slightly longer route, which I recommend continues on the rim and eventually descends down to the South Woodland Trail near the trailhead.  There are a few small side trails that branch off and are unmarked.  Continue downhill, and you will make it to the valley floor and back to the trailhead.

Topdown Lifestyle Rating: 8/10

This is a really cool hike that gives you a lot of different things. There is history with the ruins of the old spa buildings, beautiful forest, big time views, and ridge walking. All of that combined with the easy accessibility makes this an awesome hike to do just outside San Jose!

Don’t be rude; always following basic etiquette when on trail!

Pros:

• Relatively easy 
• Great views
• Easily accessible 

Cons:

• Parking fee
• Crowds

Combinations:

Combine a visit to Alum Rock Park with a visit to Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, Joseph D. Grant County Park, or Ed R. Levin County Park.

Get a meal in Downtown San Jose, or Alum Rock.

When to Visit Alum Rock Park:

The Bay Area is a 4 season destination, and the weather year round is suitable for hiking.  In the summer and early fall expect high temperatures.  In winter and spring, there is a chance of rain, but most days should be pretty nice.  In my opinion, the best time to visit is late spring or early summer.