Lisa Killough and Cottle Trail Loop

The loop is approximately 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long. For jogging, it typically takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level.

You'll find a mix of grass hills and wooded sections. The trail features mostly gentle, gradual gravel inclines and fire roads, with some double-wide singletrack. While there might be a few short, rocky sections, it's generally flowy with balanced ups and downs, making it suitable for jogging.

The trail is located in Calero County Park in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California. You'll need to access the park for the trailhead, and parking is available within the park. Specific parking areas for the Cottle Trail entrance should be checked on the park's official website.

Yes, Calero County Park, where this trail is located, typically requires entrance fees. It's always best to check the official Santa Clara County Parks website for the most current information on fees and any necessary permits before your visit.

Late winter and spring are ideal. The hills are vibrant green, and by March and April, the trail becomes a wildflower hot spot with California poppies, cream cups, and California goldfields. However, be aware that the center of the park can get surprisingly hot on average days, so plan accordingly for warm weather.

The trail is generally multi-use, and dogs are often allowed in Calero County Park. However, specific leash rules and any restricted areas should be confirmed with Calero County Park regulations before you go.

You'll encounter picturesque views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Calero Reservoir. A significant landmark is Lisa Killough Lookout, which offers picnic tables and excellent views, including Mount Umunhum. You might also spot the Lone Tree in Calero County Park.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as burrowing owls, coyotes, and ground squirrels, especially in grassland areas. Near the reservoir, ducks, geese, and cormorants are common, and bald eagles have been spotted. The path is dotted with coast live oak and bright red manzanita, and in spring, it's rich with wildflowers.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. A significant portion (92%) follows the Bay Area Ridge Trail - 03 - South Bay. It also includes segments of the Lisa Killough Trail and the Cottle Trail.

Cell phone reception can be poor or non-existent in some isolated areas of the park, so don't rely solely on your phone for navigation or emergencies. The trail is multi-use, meaning you'll share the path with mountain bikers and dog walkers. Be aware that the Lisa Killough Trail currently has a one-way, counter-clockwise direction for mountain bikes, which is a good direction for joggers to be aware of for safety.

While the trail is described as moderately challenging with gentle grades, its 8.5-mile length and 'difficult' overall rating suggest it's best suited for those with good fitness levels. Beginners might find the distance and elevation gain challenging, but the flowy terrain can be rewarding for those ready for a longer effort.