SF Bay Area - South Bay Running Guide
Something about the Silicon Valley breeds a commitment to innovation and excellence – it’s 网上理财项目home to some of the most recognized tech companies in the world, as well as a thriving community of striving athletes. The largest Turkey Trot in the country takes place here, and if one were to flock towards the westward hills, they would encounter an expanse of redwood-laden trail networks crossing through regional park after regional park.
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Rancho
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Distance 9.3 mi
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Elevation 1,489 ft
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, or simply “Rancho” as the locals call it, is a peaceful getaway from the daily grind of Silicon Valley. Runners love the PG&E Trail, or the “Power Line”, for its long sustained climb and technical ease. While some of the hills here can be punishing, you will reap the fruits of your labor when you witness the amazing vistas at the top and coast your way back downhill. Spring is a great time to run here as the hills are bathed in wildflowers. Springtime also brings baby farm animals to the historic Deer Hollow Farm. It's worth a quick break from your run to check out the adorable animals. Owing to its popularity, the park can be very crowded at peak times. Arrive early on the weekends if you want a parking spot. There are restrooms and water at the parking lot. While this route has a good mix of shaded and exposed areas, if you are running in the summer you’ll want to bring some water with you.
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Los Gatos Creek Trail
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Distance 6.2 mi
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Elevation 462 ft
The Los Gatos Creek Trail links the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose to Campbell, Los Gatos and the Lexington Reservoir, providing a wonderful place to run for people from several different areas. This route starts in Vasona Lake County Park where you will find parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Head south from here on the paved path of the Creek Trail, which will eventually turn into a smooth gravel trail. The trail gradually runs uphill as you head up to the Lexington Reservoir dam, which is our turnaround point. For a bit more trail adventure you can return to town on the Jones and Flume trails or explore the network of trails to the east that lead into the Sierra Azul Open Space. The Creek Trail is well marked with mile markers starting at the Lexington Reservoir and increasing as you head north, lending itself to tempo runs and speed work. After your run, stroll through downtown Los Gatos and check out one of the many cute cafes of Main Street, Santa Cruz Avenue, or Old Town.
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Stevens Creek to Shoreline
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Distance 4.9 mi
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Elevation 66 ft
Stretching from just south of El Camino Real in Mountain View all the way north to the bay, the Stevens Creek Trail is a popular place for runners wanting to avoid stoplights and traffic. After passing by a bunch of the big tech companies, the trail links up with the trails of the Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area. Most of this route is paved but there is usually a dirt shoulder that people like to run on. In the Shoreline Park you can run along the Bay Trail that hugs the edge of the bay. The slough makes for interesting scenery with its ribbons of land extending into the bay, the power lines, and the Dumbarton Bridge in the distance. If you would like to throw some hills into your run, take a detour up to the top of the Vista Slope. This man-made hill is so cute you may want to run up and down it a few times. Otherwise, stay the course and this will be a flat, peaceful run. Many of the people that work in the offices nearby use these trails as their daily workout so you'll never be lonely out here.
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Quicksilver
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Distance 13.2 mi
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Elevation 1,614 ft
Almaden Quicksilver County Park combines the best of California trail running - wide open fire roads on grassy hillsides, single-track through wooded glens, scrubby oak trees, wildflowers, creeks, reservoirs, big hills with panoramic views, and lots of wildlife. This park was once a mining town and you'll still see the rusting remnants of the old mines and buildings. It's like visiting a ghost town from the “Wild West”. This route is not for the faint of heart, right from the start you will be in for an extremely long, grueling climb up Mine Hill that will take you up 1,300 feet in 4 miles. At the top you'll want to stop and take some pictures from this amazing vista looking out over San Jose and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The only potable water is at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances. Carry lots of water because it does get hot here and you'll have to detour off the route to make it to the drinking fountains. There is a restroom near the trailhead at McAbee Road but none in the middle of the park.
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Santa Teresa
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Distance 10.0 mi
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Elevation 1,916 ft
Welcome to cowboy country! Santa Teresa County Park is a gorgeous hidden treasure tucked far into the south hills of San Jose. While running through this park you can imagine riding your trusty steed in a spaghetti western. In fact, it's best to stay alert for horses that may be coming around the next corner. The dusty trails are 网上理财项目home to lizards that skitter out of your way, brown butterflies that lead you down the single-track trails, and grasshoppers humming nearby. The best time to visit Santa Teresa is in the spring if you want to see the wildflowers blooming in bright purple, yellow and orange. If you want to run some hills you'll be challenged by the massive climb up the Rocky Ridge trail, which leads to Coyote Peak at 1,155 feet. The climb up the Stile Ranch trail is nothing to scoff at either. This is a fun switchback ascent that weaves you through rocky terrain blanketed in colorful lichen. With every turn you get a better view of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Shade is hard to come by so expect it to be pretty hot. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead.
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