The best MTB trails around East Foothills

Great view of the south bay!

Alum Rock Road is a paved, east-west road running through the heart of Alum Rock Park. Stretching about a mile, it features a gentle elevation change of about 100 feet, making it a relatively easy route. The road provides access to various trailheads, picnic areas, and park attractions, including the historic Mineral Springs Grotto.

The Mineral Springs Grotto in Alum Rock Park tells the story of the area's geological history and abundance of natural mineral springs. Developed between 1891 and 1902, masons crafted intricate stone grottoes using native rock to protect the springs: sulfur, magnesia, iron, and carbonated soda springs. These springs once supported a thriving health resort, with waters believed to have medicinal properties. Today park visitors can explore the grottoes and interpretive panels along the Creek Trail to learn about the springs’ historical significance and the park’s transformation from an ancient ocean beach to the stunning canyon seen today. Unfortunately, soaking is not allowed these days.

Alum Rock Park, established in 1872, is one of California's oldest municipal parks, spanning 720 acres. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and family picnicking with amenities like picnic tables, barbecue pits, restrooms, and a playground in the mid-canyon area. The park is wheelchair accessible and open daily from 8 a.m. to half an hour after sunset, a great spot to explore year-round.

Visitors to the Penitencia Creek Trail can view the water-filled Dr. Robert W. Gross Recharge Ponds. These ponds, part of a system designed to recharge underground aquifers, are crucial for maintaining healthy groundwater levels that supply nearly half of Santa Clara County's water. While the ponds support wildlife, their primary purpose is water filtration, and visitors are reminded not to introduce fish or animals into the ponds.

The Penitencia Creek Trail is a four-mile rail trail. The trail follows the Penitencia Creek from Alum Rock Park in San Jose to Coyote Creek. The trail is paved and mostly flat, so it is an easy ride.

It's really amazing that this stone bridge is still here. I understand it was originally built to easily get pack horses across the creek — and of course the people with them, too.

Inspiration Point in Alum Rock Park offers stunning views of San Jose and the Bay and is surrounded by mature native trees and shrubs. Since 2011, volunteers have been working to restore the area by removing invasive species through the "Weed & Walk" group. Shade can be found up here amongst the trees, and there is a wooden fence and wooden benches indicating the arrival of the Inspiration Point viewpoint.