Alum Rock Park – Upper Penitencia Creek loop from East Foothills

Bike touring routes & trails

Alum Rock Park – Upper Penitencia Creek loop from East Foothills

Hard

4.7

(8620)

8,621

riders

Alum Rock Park – Upper Penitencia Creek loop from East Foothills

01:53

16.5km

540m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 13.6 km for 324 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

119 m

Alum Rock Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Alum Rock Park is open 8am to a half-hour after sunset. This 720 acre park is home to a whole host of outdoor activities including running, hiking, equestrian sports, and just relaxing at one of the picnic areas. A huge perk is the potable water the park has so that you can top off your bottles mid-run.

Tip by

1.16 km

Start of the climb to Eagle Rock

Highlight • Climb

1.64 km

Upper Penitencia Creek

Highlight • River

You can find free parking and restrooms by the side of the creek. From here you have the option of many different hilly but nontechnical trails up to Eagle Rock, Inspiration Point, Boccardo, or along the creek side.

Tip by

3.24 km

Todd L. Quick Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail can be ridden in either direction and plays out similarly no matter how you ride it. A short, switchbacky climb is rewarded with a fun twisty descent. If you need a rest after the climb there's a shady place to stop at the top of the hill.

Tip by

7.48 km

View of San Jose from Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

The top of either Sierra Road or Felton Road, either way, good effort, it's a long climb to get here! The views over the Sierra Vista Open Space Park and Boccardo Peak are worth the effort.

Tip by

13.2 km

Amazing stone bridge

Highlight • Bridge

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.

Tip by

14.7 km

Alum Rock — Upper Penitencia Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Upper Penitencia Creek Trail runs through Alum Rock Park and connects to many of the area's trails. The trail itself is an easy gravel ride for beginners and kids, but many of the adjoining trails are more challenging.

Tip by

16.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types