Calero County Park

Near: San Jose
Trip Type: Trail Run
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: 500 to 1,000 feet
Vegetation: Oak and pasture
Last Visit: September 2018

Calero County Park is yet another Bay Area tract of wide fire trails rolling over steep, lumpy hills dotted with oak trees.  It's pretty unremarkable in my opinion, though that's probably slanted by the fact I've only visited in late summer/early fall.  It will make for a much more pleasant landscape in later winter and spring when the grass is fresh and green.  This loop takes you over the most prominent ridge of the park, which offers sweeping views across the Santa Clara Valley towards Mt Hamilton to the east.

Rules:

Dogs must be on leash at all times.  No permits or entry fees for ordinary day use. No camping.  No dogs on trails south of the Bald Peaks Trail at the southern edge of the park.

Trailhead:

This loop starts from the main entrance parking area just south east of Calero Reservoir and west of Mckean road.  Lots of parking. No fees.

Route:

This is not an actual loop I've taken, but after a couple visits, this loop is one I would try to take next time.  It should be the most gentle ascent possible with some shaded sections along the way.  Start hiking south on the Figueroa Trail and follow it as it loops west, then north west to the Pena Trail.  About 2 miles in take a right on the Pena Trail and climb steeply over the high point of this loop just below a water tank.  As you begin descending the most expansive views of the hike will open up in front of you.  Take the next left at the Los Cerritos trail to gently loop down to the parking lot on long low ridge to the north.


CalTopo map: https://caltopo.com/m/7ERT