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I came to Alum Rock Park with the intention of hiking up the mountain, but my four-year-old was so thrilled just doing the flat Penitencia Creek Trail that we stayed on it the entire time. We parked near the playground and walked up the creek trail until he got tired of walking. This was a really strange yet beautiful place. It is the site of a late 1800’s mineral springs resort and a lot of the stone structures are still in place. It can be stinky in places due to the mineral content, but it is neat to imagine what this resort might have been like in its prime. There is a shocking amount of running water so close to San Jose (especially during winter and spring). At some points there are even small waterfalls. So much greenery nestled in a gorgeous canyon. Jogging strollers can make it all the way on the Penitencia Creek Trail up to a gorgeous but narrow bridge where the canyon takes a turn. End the hike with time at the awesome playground near the parking lot.
Note: Review the park's map before you go so you know where to park. If you want to end your hike near the playground, then park there or near the visitor's center.
Bathrooms
Yes, at visitor's center and at least one more up the creek trail.
Playground
Yes
Kid transportation
Jogging stroller, kids walking, kid carrier, bikes are allowed on Penitencia Creek Trail.
Suggested Route
Park near the Visitor's Center on Penitencia Creek Rd (google also refers to it as Alum Rock Falls Rd. farther into park). Head up the creek on the Penitencia Creek Trail, as far as your legs can take you! Turn around and come back the way you came and end at the playground.
Difficulty
Easy
Parking Situation
Abundant
Entrance Fee
$6 at the paid parking lots near Visitor's Center. If you are willing to walk farther, you can park at the lower free lots.
Bonus
A raging creek in the winter. Mineral Springs history is pretty neat too.
Official Park Website
http://www.sanjoseca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/176 Trail Map: https://ca-sanjose.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8561
Date Updated
February 2019
