If you are looking for a peaceful and natural escape in the city, you might want to check out Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. This 62.7-acre park is located in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose, and it is one of the last remaining large tracts of deciduous oak savanna and oak woodland on the Santa Clara Valley floor. The park offers a variety of trails, views, and wildlife for visitors to enjoy.
Trails
The park has about 4 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate, that loop around the park and connect with Jeffrey Fontana Park on the south. The trails are mostly dirt or gravel, with some paved sections. The trails are suitable for hiking, walking, and running, but not for biking or horseback riding. Some of the trails are shaded by the oak trees, while others are exposed to the sun. The trails offer scenic views of the valley and the mountains, as well as the rock outcroppings and the abandoned sandstone quarry that are present in the park.
Views
The park is situated on a hillside, and it offers panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley and the surrounding mountains, such as Mount Hamilton, Mount Umunhum, and Mount Diablo. The park is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the sky and the valley are illuminated by different colors. The park is also a great place to stargaze at night, as it is away from the city lights and has a clear view of the sky.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, such as deer, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, squirrels, and turkeys. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, as it hosts more than 80 species of birds, including hawks, eagles, owls, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and bluebirds . The park has a rich diversity of plants, such as wildflowers, manzanita, madrone, and buckeye. The park is especially known for its oak trees, which are a rare and valuable habitat for many animals and plants. The park has several types of oaks, such as valley oak, blue oak, coast live oak, and black oak.
How to Get There
The park is located at 5982 Thorntree Drive, San Jose, CA 95120. It is close to the intersection of Almaden Expressway and Coleman Road, and it is accessible by car or by bus. The park entrance fee is free, and the park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. For more information, please visit the park’s website or call the park office at (408) 535-3570.
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park is a hidden gem in San Jose, where you can enjoy nature, history, and recreation. Whether you are looking for a relaxing or an adventurous experience, you will find something to suit your interests at this park. So grab your gear, pack your snacks, and head to Guadalupe Oak Grove Park for a memorable outing. You won’t regret it!
