Alum Rock Park takes its name from nearby rock formations once thought to contain aluminum. This proved untrue, but the name stuck and now defines 291 hectares (720 acres) of woodland, walking trails, picnic areas and creeks. Choose between scenic woodland and creek-side trails or take the longer options into the hillside. The 2.25-mile (3.6-kilometer) North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is great for anyone who doesn’t mind trading a steep climb for a good view. From the top you can see much of the Bay Area, but bring a hat and sunscreen as there isn’t much shade. For a milder hike, follow the South Rim Trail’s shaded paths where you’ll see native flora and fauna and catch some stunning views of the creek and surrounding area.For anyone looking for an easy stroll, the Penitencia Creek Trail is pleasant, easy and dotted with benches and lookout points. Other trails lead to mineral springs, through sycamore groves, and across wood and scrubland. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, squirrels, pumas, bobcats, red-tailed hawks and even rattlesnakes.Kids will love the playground and Youth Science Institute, where they can get up-close to native animals and explore natural history exhibits. Picnickers looking for a good spot to relax will find tables and barbecue pits all over the park. There are restrooms along most trails, and a visitor center is open for further enquiries. Alum Rock Park is a great way to discover the Bay Area’s natural beauty without going too far from town. It’s a 20-minute drive from downtown San Jose and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Buses do service the park from downtown San Jose, but the stop is just over 20 minutes’ walk from the park entrance. You have to pay to park, and a good space can be hard to come by when the park gets busy. The park is less crowded early in the week.
Alum Rock Park Tours
Visit Alum Rock Park
Browse tours and tickets to explore Alum Rock Park
Tours & day trips
See all 30 activitiesOpens in new tabBEST Redwood Forest &Santa Cruz Harbor Day Tour from San Francisco
Private & custom tours
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabBig Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabSan Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour
Popular places to visit
Raging Waters
Bring your family to Raging Waters and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in San Jose. Discover the top-notch restaurants and great live music in this family-friendly area.
Ed Levin County Park
Explore the great outdoors at Ed Levin County Park, a lovely green space in Milpitas. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Big Dog Vineyards
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Big Dog Vineyards during your travels to Milpitas. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Regional Medical of San Jose
Though Regional Medical of San Jose might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of San Jose while you are here.
Regional Medical Center
Though Regional Medical Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of San Jose while you are here.
Fresenius Medical Care at Regional Medical Center Of San Jose
Though Fresenius Medical Care at Regional Medical Center Of San Jose might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of San Jose while you are here.
Best Lodging Options Near Alum Rock Park
Check availability on hotels close to Alum Rock Park
- Vacations and getaways similar to Alum Rock Park
- Other Hotels near Alum Rock Park, San Jose
- Hotels near popular San Jose Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Santana Row Shopping Center
- San Jose Convention Center
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Winchester Mystery House
- San Jose State University
- PayPal Park
- Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall
- Raging Waters
- Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters
- San Jose Civic Auditorium
- San Pedro Square
- Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
- The Tech Interactive
- San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
- Children's Discovery Museum
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Silicon Valley
- Motel 6 San Jose, CA - South
- Milpitas Homestays
- Caravelle Inn Extended Stay
- Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
- Courtyard by Marriott Milpitas Silicon Valley
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley
- The Westin San Jose
- Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley, an IHG Hotel
- Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
- Signia by Hilton San Jose
- Towneplace Suites By Marriott Milpitas
- Hotels near Levi's Stadium
- Hotels near San Francisco Bay
- Hotels near Tesla Motors
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near San Jose Convention Center
- Hotels near California's Great America
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near San Jose State University
- Hotels near Santa Clara University
- Hotels near Santa Clara Convention Center
- Hotels near PayPal Park
- Hotels near Apple Campus
- Hotels near Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall
- Hotels near Great Mall of the Bay Area
- Hotels near Raging Waters
- Hotels near Yahoo Headquarters
- Hotels near Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center
- Hotels near Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters
- Hotels near San Jose Civic Auditorium