2.4 hr
Overview
Begin in a creek corridor and climb to high ridges on the east side of the Santa Clara Valley for a bird's-eye view of nearby San Jos\u00e9, the South Bay, and the Peninsula. The steep trail winds up a grassy, southwest-facing hillside. Because of the sun exposure, the trip is best done with an early start on cool spring days or midday in winter, when skies are clear after rains.<br><br>Elevation Gain/Loss 1,775 feet/205 feet one-way.<br><br>This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more <a href="https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16685&cat=0&page=1&utm_source=BARTsite&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BayAreaRidgeTrail">buy the book</a> from Wilderness Press.
Trail Stats
6.0 km
491 m
577 m
92 m
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Photos
Gumweed, an attractive native plant in the summer, grows in many places along the trail.
Gumweed, an attractive native plant in the summer, grows in many places along the trail.
Blazing Star on the Peninsular Trail.
Blazing Star on the Peninsular Trail.
This is Alum Rock that the park is named after. This view is from the North Rim Trail.
This is Alum Rock that the park is named after. This view is from the North Rim Trail.
Meadow of mostly invasives, including Poison Hemlock and Mustard.
Meadow of mostly invasives, including Poison Hemlock and Mustard.
California Poppies at the top of the Todd Quick Trail.
California Poppies at the top of the Todd Quick Trail.
Buckeye tree flowers along the North Rim Trail attract beautiful butterflies.
Buckeye tree flowers along the North Rim Trail attract beautiful butterflies.
Sun on the hills.
Sun on the hills.