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Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United States
California
Santa Clara County
San Jose

Guadalupe River Trail

Hard

4.9

(5615)

18,221

hikers

Guadalupe River Trail

14:34

57.6km

110m

Hiking

Hike the 35.8-mile Guadalupe River Trail in San Jose, a difficult route through urban and natural landscapes with 355 feet of elevation gain

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

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1

20.8 km

Lupe the Mammoth

Highlight • Monument

One July Saturday in 2005, a San Jose resident took a walk with his dog along the Guadalupe River, just north of the San Jose International Airport. He recognized that the objects poking out of the ground that day were clearly unusual -- he had discovered the tusks and skeleton of a mammoth. "Lupe the Mammoth" was inspired by this discovery.

The artwork is a technology-driven design with hand-crafted sensibilities. While the actual mammoth was a juvenile and about 8’ tall, the sculpture measures 12.5’ in height and is made of galvanized steel. The artwork was painstakingly fabricated at Paramount Roll & Forming; bent piece by piece and fit into a notched support structure after which it was galvanized for its final finish. The artwork is titled “Lupe,” but has quickly assumed the nickname Lupe the Mammoth as a popular post on social media; #LupeTheMammoth.

Tip by

2

30.4 km

Quite sophisticated and diverse rose garden, well maintained and labelled with varieties from around the world.

Tip by

3

34.0 km

This small pullout along the Guadalupe River Trail is a great place for any aviation enthusiast to make a quick pit stop. There are a few benches and some informational signs about the aviation history of the area and the local airfield.

Tip by

4

34.4 km

A nice spot with interpretive signs. The trail you're cycling on (the Guadalupe River Trail) is essentially the backbone of San Jose's still-growing trail network, running in fragments along both sides of the river and even into downtown San Jose.

Tip by

5

35.7 km

Rotary PlayGarden 🎠 - San Jose

Highlight • Rest Area

Fancy outdoor playground, entrance only with kids

Tip by

6

40.0 km

Along the Guadalupe River you will find a conglomeration of little scenic parks. There is Columbus Park, Taylor Street Rock Garden, a rose garden, a community garden, playgrounds, running trails by the river, and more. There is an interconnected network of bike paths and roads to explore here.

Tip by

7

44.5 km

The 250-acre Guadalupe River Park is a three-mile ribbon park along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San Jose from Highway 880 at the north, to Highway 280 at the south. 
It includes the downtown portion of the Guadalupe River Trail.
The northern section extends from Alviso at southern edge of the San Francisco Bay to Downtown San Jose - a great 9 mile opportunity to discover San Jose and Silicon Valley.  
The Guadalupe River Trail system is currently two disconnected trail systems (20 miles when completed).  The northern and central portions travel from the San Francisco Bay, through Silicon Valley and into Downtown San Jose (linking Gold St in Alviso to Virginia St in southern downtown).  A southern portion of the trail system extends from Chynoweth Avenue to Coleman Road and leads directly to the Lake Almaden and Los Alamitos Creek trail systems.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalupe_River_Trail
sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?nid=2833

Tip by

8

45.4 km

History Plaza in Little Italy

Highlight • Historical Site

9

46.6 km

Coleman Ave underpass murals

Highlight • Structure

The trail dips down toward the water to pass under Coleman Ave, revealing a mural of elegant waterfowl. On the south side, you will find the Yoake No Noraneko mural, a colorful bold composition of two powerful cats stalking through bamboo.

Tip by

10

49.8 km

Guadalupe River Trail

Highlight • Trail

Nice path alongside the tiny water. Safe, when I was there, but known for homeless people.

Tip by

B

57.6 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

57.1 km

356 m

108 m

Surfaces

23.6 km

19.8 km

6.42 km

6.13 km

1.58 km

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Elevation

Elevation

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Today

Friday 8 May

22°C

12°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the Guadalupe River Trail?

The Guadalupe River Trail in San Jose is primarily a paved path, ideal for walking, running, and cycling. While most of it is paved, you might encounter some sections with dirt or gravel. It's generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for many users.

How difficult is this trail?

While the komoot tour for the Guadalupe River Trail is rated as 'difficult' due to its significant length of nearly 58 km, the trail itself is generally considered easy. It's a mostly flat, paved path suitable for a wide range of users, including beginners and families. The difficulty rating for this specific komoot tour reflects the endurance required for its full distance rather than technical challenge.

What kind of scenery can I expect along the route?

The trail offers a mix of natural and urban views. You'll follow the Guadalupe River, enjoying views of the water and lush greenery. As it winds through San Jose, you'll also see urban landscapes, pass through Guadalupe River Park, and even get unique views of planes landing and departing near the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. Don't miss the beautiful Heritage Rose Garden 🌹- San Jose within the park.

Are there any notable landmarks or points of interest?

Yes, the trail features several interesting points. You can see Lupe the Mammoth, explore the Heritage Rose Garden 🌹- San Jose, and visit the Aviation History Plaza on the Guadalupe River Trail. There are also Interpretive signs on Guadalupe River Trail at various entries, and the Rotary PlayGarden 🎠 - San Jose is a great stop for families.

Where can I park to access the Guadalupe River Trail?

Given its urban nature and length, there are numerous access points and parking options along the Guadalupe River Trail in San Jose. You can often find street parking or public parking lots near sections that pass through downtown or parks like Guadalupe River Park. Look for trail entries, which are often marked with decorative compasses, to find convenient access points.

Is the Guadalupe River Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the Guadalupe River Trail is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are typically allowed on leash, as is common for urban multi-use paths and parks in San Jose. Please remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the trail or Guadalupe River Park?

No, you do not need a permit or to pay an entrance fee to access the Guadalupe River Trail or Guadalupe River Park. Both are public amenities managed by the City of San Jose and are free for everyone to enjoy. You can find more information on the City of San Jose's official website.

What is the best time of year to visit the Guadalupe River Trail?

The Guadalupe River Trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for longer walks or rides. Summers can be warm, so consider going in the early morning or late afternoon. Winters are generally mild in San Jose, though you might encounter some rain. Always check the local weather forecast before you go.

Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the Guadalupe River Trail is a central part of San Jose's trail network. This komoot route primarily follows the Guadalupe River Trail for about 97% of its length. It also briefly intersects with sections of the Homestead / Hedding / Brokaw Corridor, the Tasman / Alum Rock Light Rail Corridor, and River Oaks Parkway.

What should I bring for a day on the trail?

For a comfortable experience, bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended as some sections may have limited shade. Comfortable walking or cycling shoes are a must. If you're planning a longer outing, snacks are a good idea. Don't forget your phone for navigation and photos, and a portable charger if needed.

Are there any hidden gems or local tips for exploring the trail?

To truly appreciate the trail's blend of nature and urban art, keep an eye out for the Coleman Ave underpass murals. These vibrant artworks add a unique cultural dimension to your journey. Also, consider starting your adventure from Guadalupe River Park to easily access the beautiful Heritage Rose Garden and other family-friendly facilities.

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