We all know the danger of being hit while cycling on most city streets, and frankly, it can be kind of monotonous, too, with all that concrete. Instead, here’s a collection of some great trails in or near Cupertino that provide the opportunity for exercise and fun while escaping the paved everything that often surrounds us.
Are you interested in Mountain Biking, too? See the intermediate trails list below for excellent starter trail ideas close by.
Casual Trails
Trails in this category have mostly if not entirely flat terrain and few to no technical features. They can be ridden by pretty much anyone on any style of bike.Varian Park to Linda Vista Park
This is a mostly paved path that offers ample amenities. Start at Varian Park (22220 Varian Way), go south onto Crescent Ct onto Crescent Rd. Turn left onto Stevens Creek Blvd, then right onto the Stevens Creek Trail. Pass Blackberry Farms and McClellan Ranch, and cross McClellan Road. Continue past Deep Cliff Golf Course to Linda Vista Park.
Route map (click). More info: This Article
Stevens Creek Trail to Shoreline Park
This ~10 mile round trip ride will take you from the suburbs to the south end of San Francisco Bay along a gravel path. Entering the trail at Sleeper Park, located at 13288 Franklin Ave, Mountain View, proceed north along the trail until its end, then turn left onto Bay Trail, taking it to Shoreline Park.
Route Map (click) More info: This Article
Rancho San Antonio
With its main entrance located at 22500 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, this is an excellent area for those more comfortable on flatter, wider trails, but who still want to get outdoors in nature. Recommended paths include the Permanente Creek, Deer Meadow, Lower Meadow, Coyote, and Hammond-Snyder Loop trails.
Intermediate Trails
Trails in this category have hills that require some aerobic effort and a few technical features. It is recommended that prospective riders bring mountain or gravel bikes, although any bike with wider and knobbly tires should work.
The Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
This route is an excellent first mountain bike ride for casual riders. To ride it, park at the main lot and visitor center at 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, and follow the route map around the outer loop. On the way you may see wildlife such as deer, turkey, hawks, lizards, and snakes. Upon finishing I recommend getting lunch at the nearby restaurant Alpine Inn at 3915 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley.
Calero
Located at 23205 McKean Rd, San Jose, This locale features a mix of single track and gravel roads, and two routes for different skill levels, both with excellent views and scenery. The first route features a sizable climb up to Bald Peak, whilst the second route features a flatter route along the shore of Calero Reservoir.
1st Route Map (click) 2nd Route Map (click) Area Map (click)
Russian Ridge at Skyline
This route features an out and back trail with beautiful scenic meadows, mountain valleys, and ocean views. Its entrance is located at the Mindego Parking Area on Alpine Road. If you find the route too short, it can be extended by crossing Skyline Blvd and riding White Oak or Bella Vista Trails.
Advanced Trails
Trails in this category have bigger and steeper hills that require substantial aerobic effort and multiple technical features. It is highly recommended that any prospective rider brings a dedicated mountain bike, or at least a gravel bike with front suspension, and has had some experience on a mountain bike prior to riding there.
Saratoga GAP
Located at 17301 Skyline Blvd, Saratoga, this out and back trail will certainly be memorable, with stunning views and steep hills that will test your aerobic capacity. It is very likely that you will see wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and turkey vultures while climbing the trail.
Fremont Older
This route starts at the Maisie’s Peak Trailhead at 22640 Prospect Rd, Saratoga, just outside the Cupertino border. From the top you may be able to spot your house, as it has views of the greater silicon valley area. While on the trail you may have to stop and greet the horses, as the preserve is a popular horse riding locale.
Stevens Canyon Trail
Similarly to Fremont Older, this route is quite nearby, being located at the intersection of Stevens Canyon and Redwood Gulch road, just outside of Cupertino. This route is as simple as you can get: a straight out and back with a small top loop up and down the canyon. If you are feeling extra adventurous, a wide variety of terrain is available from the top of it, such as the previously mentioned Russian Ridge trails.
Henry Cowell
Located at 3650 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, this route features magnificent redwood forests and playfully challenging terrain, such as the sand gulley bobsled run at the 99 Bottles trail, or the flowing jumps of Magic Carpet. Careful not to run over the banana slugs, they love the damp forest undergrowth!
Route Map (click) Area map (click)(not all trails shown)
I hope you enjoy hitting the trails. Remember to always bring water and wear a helmet, and most importantly, have fun.
It is also recommended that you wear gloves and protective glasses, especially on the more difficult trails. Be aware of potential local hazards such as ticks and poison oak. Only ride to a level you are comfortable with and yield to pedestrians at all times on the trails.
Special thanks goes to the following for their help in creating these lists: Trent Poltronetti, Jian He, and Byron Rovegno.