Alum Rock Park
Alum Rock Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Alum Rock Park is 718 acres, has restrooms, 149 picnic tables, 85 BBQs, and 2 playgrounds.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
146 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
56
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
1
vicki
cali19 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Alum Rock Ave is closed.
Alum Rock Park Plan directs visitors to the main entrance located at the end of Penitencia Creek Rd (PCR). Safety improvements were made on that road for residents and traffic when the entrance was moved there post landslide. It's in a patrol district, too. Modern bathrooms are there as is the trailhead for the creek trail that traverses the length of the park.
You may also park on available space along the right side of Penitencia Creek Rd leading up to the park. Just don't cross over solid white line into the roadway or break any other parking laws.
16240 is not the park address or 15350, a google search of them or Alum Rock Park/main entrance will misdirect you. Google shows Alum Rock Park 'Parking' - don't be confused it should read 'main entrance'. Human and wildlife residents at the end of Alum Rock Ave are endangered by throngs of traffic that try to park in front of 4 houses on one side and in front of others on the other side which is a Service Road aka Emergency Access Road for residents (you can be cited).
The park is naturally beautiful as are its wildlife. I'll post pictures later. It's long neglected. Visitors are encouraged to visit without adequate facilities to accommodate masses. As such, litter is a problem and public urinating. Bring your own water - pack out what you bring in to dispose of at home. Abide by 15mph throughout park, vehicles AND bikes, or some day soon you will be cited. Please don't kill wildlife (watch for them beginning after landmark hill beyond main entrance).
Currently, the 2-way road through the park is being used by only City and residents (live behind the park) but prohibits access to inside lots by visitors (except main entrance lot). The lane going inside has a taped off section, I believe precautionary related to the landslide. Suggestions have been made to utilize portable light signal or two stop signs. Check website for road opening update (be aware of address error and misdirections, please use Penitencia Creek Road).
Alum Rock Park Plan directs visitors to the main entrance located at the end of Penitencia Creek Rd (PCR). Safety improvements were made on that road for residents and traffic when the entrance was moved there post landslide. It's in a patrol district, too. Modern bathrooms are there as is the trailhead for the creek trail that traverses the length of the park.
You may also park on available space along the right side of Penitencia Creek Rd leading up to the park. Just don't cross over solid white line into the roadway or break any other parking laws.
16240 is not the park address or 15350, a google search of them or Alum Rock Park/main entrance will misdirect you. Google shows Alum Rock Park 'Parking' - don't be confused it should read 'main entrance'. Human and wildlife residents at the end of Alum Rock Ave are endangered by throngs of traffic that try to park in front of 4 houses on one side and in front of others on the other side which is a Service Road aka Emergency Access Road for residents (you can be cited).
The park is naturally beautiful as are its wildlife. I'll post pictures later. It's long neglected. Visitors are encouraged to visit without adequate facilities to accommodate masses. As such, litter is a problem and public urinating. Bring your own water - pack out what you bring in to dispose of at home. Abide by 15mph throughout park, vehicles AND bikes, or some day soon you will be cited. Please don't kill wildlife (watch for them beginning after landmark hill beyond main entrance).
Currently, the 2-way road through the park is being used by only City and residents (live behind the park) but prohibits access to inside lots by visitors (except main entrance lot). The lane going inside has a taped off section, I believe precautionary related to the landslide. Suggestions have been made to utilize portable light signal or two stop signs. Check website for road opening update (be aware of address error and misdirections, please use Penitencia Creek Road).
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One Sky For All
San Jose, CA95 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Alum rock avenue is great entrance to the Alum Rock Park, San Jose, CA.
This place used to have great retreats with sulfur baths. Planning is required. Water bottle you must bring with you. Lots of hiking trails for all levels. Some people like shady areas, some love biking. Children have few playgrounds to enjoy. Youth science center is open during the weekend hours. I saw ranger on the trail, she was checking trails conditions due to the active creeks. It took me awhile to go up the hill, but once road changes elevation it was very easy to walk downhill.
I enjoyed every minute of my hike. Lots of wild flowers are blooming right now. I saw few achiveria’s. All of them are protected by CA’s law.
Few trails were closed due to the poor trail conditions, but soon sun will dry all these roads.
Green forest is absolutely magical.
Park is obviously in very distressed condition and it is sad. I hope volunteers can restore this hidden gem to the previous glory and more people can enjoy park’s amazing qualities.
This place used to have great retreats with sulfur baths. Planning is required. Water bottle you must bring with you. Lots of hiking trails for all levels. Some people like shady areas, some love biking. Children have few playgrounds to enjoy. Youth science center is open during the weekend hours. I saw ranger on the trail, she was checking trails conditions due to the active creeks. It took me awhile to go up the hill, but once road changes elevation it was very easy to walk downhill.
I enjoyed every minute of my hike. Lots of wild flowers are blooming right now. I saw few achiveria’s. All of them are protected by CA’s law.
Few trails were closed due to the poor trail conditions, but soon sun will dry all these roads.
Green forest is absolutely magical.
Park is obviously in very distressed condition and it is sad. I hope volunteers can restore this hidden gem to the previous glory and more people can enjoy park’s amazing qualities.
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shruti
1 contribution
Jul 2021
This was a great part. If you start hiking on the gravel next to the bathroom are you can see a creek. While the water has gotten lower it's still very fun. If you reach the top of the hike you can climb a rock. The rock isn't too big and there are defined areas where you can step but it's very fun to get onto. There are also telescopes you use.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick H. Bell
San Jose, CA5 contributions
Sept 2020
This is a treasure of San Jose. May be the best of all in Bay Area. It has so many old beautiful bridges and walking along the creek is feeling like being in a fairy tail. From the gate I walked all the way to the Mineral spring and back is about six miles. I made many stops along the way just to check out the birds and posing for photos at my favorite spots.
Written 16 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NicoleHT
San Jose, CA328 contributions
Feb 2021
This park usually has free parking in certain lots but because of COVID-19 the entire park is free parking.
I usually park it the lot at the very end and walk on the trails with my son (4.5). We love seeing the different animals and trees. We have seen deer almost every time we have come! There are a LOT of hiking trail options with varying levels of difficulty. My son and I love to walk and talk and enjoy some fresh air.
Once I was hiking with a friend and all our kids and there was a wildfire!! We saw the fire engines in the parking lot and the jets overhead. Thankfully, they extinguished the fire pretty quickly. We felt very safe the whole time.
I usually park it the lot at the very end and walk on the trails with my son (4.5). We love seeing the different animals and trees. We have seen deer almost every time we have come! There are a LOT of hiking trail options with varying levels of difficulty. My son and I love to walk and talk and enjoy some fresh air.
Once I was hiking with a friend and all our kids and there was a wildfire!! We saw the fire engines in the parking lot and the jets overhead. Thankfully, they extinguished the fire pretty quickly. We felt very safe the whole time.
Written 17 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael K
995 contributions
Nov 2020
We didn't hike the switchback trails up the hill, but stayed on the level Penitencia Creek Trail that runs along the creek of its namesake. Near the park entrance to the west, the trail passes by the Alum Rock Log Cabin which was built in 1906. Near the eastern end of the trail, there are mineral springs and quite a few old stone bridges for crossing the creek. Here you can also find moss covered rocks and tree trunks lining both sides of the creek. This is a very pleasant and scenic trail for hiking.
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,011 contributions
Jun 2020
Very large park with plenty of hiking trails of various levels. One can walk on the paved, flat, easy road or can hike up the mountain with a pretty good incline. There is a small stream that goes through part of the park, which is rather nice. There are also a lot of picnic areas with restrooms, but most of these areas are temporarily closed due to Covid. Still a great place to go for a hike/walk, or just to relax.
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA188,161 contributions
Jun 2020
We went to Alum Rock Park, which is on the East Side of San Jose. We enjoyed seeing the foliage and the hillside views. Parking is on the street.
Written 10 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric M
San Jose, CA1 contribution
Feb 2019
Okay, maybe it's some fun, but it's a lot less fun without my dogs, so we never go here anymore and may never go again.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
erlyned2017
21 contributions
Nov 2019
I come here to walk for I find it great for getting your heart rate up. A good place to get some excersise
Written 6 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey everyone I have a couple questions about the mineral springs. Is it just one spring area? Is it a good size? And do people normally get into it ? I'm new to the area and want to check it out but want to know what to expect thanks.
Michael K
995 contributions
There are still man-made structures in the area containing mineral water but the area is not well maintained and it looks unclean. Not sure you want to soak in it.
mary d
9 contributions
Is there internet at the park so I can call Uber to pick me up? I have the light rail map but don't see the "Gish" stop near where I'm staying, or know what side of the road I should pick it up. Thanks for your time.
ANANTHARAJ T V
Bengaluru, India56 contributions
Mostly there wont be connection inside the park. I haven't used one!!!!...u need walk a mile to get to the light rail station
Kate S
San Diego, CA27 contributions
Are there any trails you can walk on with a double stroller/handicapped accessible trails?
GrannyGo55
San Jose, CA14 contributions
I agree with the other answers about walking along the road but more areas for stroller are paved at the furthest parking lot. So depending on how far you want to hike and the time of year also makes a difference if you want to attempt the hills. Obviously the dirt trails are full of mud after a rain. There is a playground for younger children and children love playing in the creek rain or shine. In summer I do not favor picnic here as the yellow jackets (wasps-looks like a bee) are out in force, looking for a free meal, they favor meat but will eat anything on your plate. Never swat a wasp you risk making it mad, stings are painful.
Is it open when it's raining?
travelgal122
11 contributions
Yes, it is open 365 days a year. 8a.m. - 1/2 hour after sunset, when all gates are closed & locked.
What time will I have to arrive to save a spot for a birthday party without a reservation? I know some of the other parks we had to get there as early as 4 o'clock in the morning is it the same as this park?
BobFromSanJose
San Jose, CA19 contributions
No, you should be fine most weekends getting there by 9:00. There are MANY picnic areas.
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Claim your listingALUM ROCK PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Alum Rock Park
- Alum Rock Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Alum Rock Park:
- (9.15 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport-Silicon Valley
- (11.48 km) Hyatt House San Jose/Silicon Valley
- (10.49 km) Hyatt House Santa Clara
- (13.51 km) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Clara - Silicon Valley
- (10.75 km) Best Western Plus Airport Plaza
- Restaurants near Alum Rock Park:
- (1.68 km) Antipasto's By DE Rose Gourmet
- (1.47 km) Drying Shed
- (1.54 km) Pizza Maria
- (7.93 km) Smoking Pig BBQ Company
- (8.46 km) Sen Dai Sushi
- Attractions near Alum Rock Park:
- (8.88 km) Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
- (9.59 km) Children's Discovery Museum
- (11.49 km) Municipal Rose Garden
- (8.36 km) Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
- (10.97 km) Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum