If you look at a map of the San Jose Coyote Creek Trail, it looks like a simple, continuous ribbon of green stretching from the edge of the San Francisco Bay down into the golden hills of Morgan Hill. It’s nearly 20 miles. Long. Flat. Paved. But honestly, if you park your car at the wrong trailhead, you’re going to have a very different experience than the one you saw on Instagram.
People talk about it like it’s one singular thing. It isn't.
🔗 Read more: Kowloon Hong Kong: Why It Is Actually Better Than The Island
Depending on where you drop in, you’re either navigating a bustling urban transit corridor near the heart of Silicon Valley or you're pedaling through a silent, oak-shaded riparian forest where you’ll probably see more wild turkeys than humans. It’s this weird, beautiful dichotomy that makes the San Jose Coyote Creek Trail both the best and most misunderstood paved path in the South Bay.
The North vs. South Identity Crisis
Let's get the logistics out of the way first because nothing ruins a Saturday like getting lost in a corporate parking lot. The trail is technically split into two main reaches. The northern section runs from Dixon Landing Road near Milpitas down toward Tully Road. Then, there's a bit of a "gap"—a term locals use with a fair amount of frustration—before it picks up again for the long, glorious southern stretch that terminates at Anderson Lake County Park.
The northern part is urban. It’s useful. You’ve got tech workers on high-end commuters zipping toward North San Jose office parks. It skirts the edge of the San Jose Municipal Golf Course and passes by the tech campuses. It’s paved, functional, and frankly, a bit loud because of the proximity to I-880 and Highway 101.
But the southern reach? That’s where the magic happens.
Starting around Hellyer County Park and moving south, the San Jose Coyote Creek Trail sheds its city skin. The valley opens up. You enter a world of massive valley oaks, sycamores, and the actual creek—which, depending on the time of year and the recent rainfall, can be a trickling stream or a rushing force of nature.
What Nobody Tells You About the "Gap"
One of the biggest gripes you’ll hear from the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition or seasoned local riders is the discontinuity. You can’t just ride the whole thing start-to-finish without some creative street navigation. Between Kelly Park and the Metcalf area, the trail gets a bit fragmented.
If you're planning a "thru-ride," you’re going to be looking at city streets for a few miles. It’s not the end of the world, but if you’re bringing kids, stick to the southern segment starting at Hellyer. It’s safer. It’s prettier. It’s just better.
Wildlife and the Riparian Reality
Coyote Creek is more than a bike path. It’s a critical biological corridor. Because the trail follows the water, it acts as a highway for animals moving through the Santa Clara Valley.
I’ve seen bobcats.
Seriously. Usually right around dawn near the Metcalf Power Station area. If you’re quiet—which is hard on a bike, I get it—you’ll spot deer, red-tailed hawks, and those ubiquitous wild turkeys that seem to own the trail near the model airplane field.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District spends a lot of time managing this area because it’s a flood control zone. This is why you’ll sometimes find the trail closed after a big winter storm. The creek swells fast. When the water retreats, it leaves behind silt and debris that can turn a road bike into a slip-and-slide. Always check the Santa Clara County Parks website before you head out if we’ve had a "Pineapple Express" storm in the last 48 hours.
The Best Access Points (Where to Actually Park)
- Hellyer County Park: This is the hub. There’s a fee to park inside, but it’s worth it for the bathrooms, the Velodrome (yeah, an actual Olympic-style cycle track), and the central location.
- Silver Creek Valley Road: Good for a quick "in and out" ride.
- Metcalf Park: A bit further south, perfect if you want to skip the busier suburban sections and get straight to the rural scenery.
- Malaguerra Staging Area: This is the southern terminus near Morgan Hill. It’s quiet and feels like you’ve left San Jose entirely.
Dealing with the "Silicon Valley" Elements
We have to talk about the reality of an urban trail in 2026. Like many paved trails in California, the San Jose Coyote Creek Trail has seen its share of challenges. In the sections closer to downtown and the northern industrial areas, you will see unhoused encampments.
Most of the time, it’s just people living their lives. But it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re riding solo late in the evening. The trail isn’t lit. Once the sun goes down, it’s pitch black. My advice? Ride during daylight hours and stay aware of your surroundings in the underpasses near Tully and Capitol Expressway.
The Velodrome: A Weird San Jose Flex
Not many people realize that right in the middle of this trail system sits the Hellyer Park Velodrome. It’s one of only a handful in Northern California. On certain weeknights, you can hear the hum of tires on the concrete track and the shouting of racers. It’s a 335-meter track with banked turns.
Even if you aren't a "trackie," it's cool to stop and watch for a few minutes. It adds a layer of sports history to the ride that you just don't get on the Los Gatos Creek Trail or the Guadalupe River Trail.
Why the South Reach Wins Every Time
If you have to pick one section, start at Hellyer and head south toward Morgan Hill. It’s about 15 miles one way.
The terrain is remarkably flat. You’re gaining maybe a few hundred feet over the entire distance, which makes it perfect for a long-distance endurance "base mile" ride or a leisurely family outing. You’ll pass the Coyote Creek Golf Club, where you have to keep an eye out for stray balls, and eventually, the sprawl of San Jose just… stops.
You’re left with the hills of the Diablo Range to your left and the Santa Cruz Mountains way off to your right. In the spring, these hills are neon green. By July, they’re that classic California gold. It’s hot, though.
Bring water. Then bring more water. There are stretches in the south where shade is non-existent, and the asphalt radiates heat like an oven.
Practical Tips for Your First Visit
- The Wind is Real: Usually, you’ll have a tailwind heading south and a brutal headwind coming back north in the afternoon. Plan your energy accordingly.
- Tires Matter: While it's paved, the tree roots have done a number on the asphalt in certain sections. If you’re on a razor-thin road bike tire with 110 PSI, you’re going to feel every bump. A 28mm or 32mm tire is the "sweet spot" here.
- The Model Airplane Field: Near the Metcalf area, there’s a dedicated field for RC planes. It’s a great spot to take a break and watch hobbyists fly scale models. It’s one of those quirky "only in San Jose" landmarks.
- Bells and Passing: This is a multi-use trail. You’ll encounter walkers, joggers, and the occasional horseback rider near the equestrian crossings. Use a bell. Say "on your left." Don't be that person.
The Future of the Trail
There are ongoing efforts to close the "gap" and eventually connect the Coyote Creek Trail all the way to the San Francisco Bay Trail in the north and potentially further south into Gilroy. It’s a slow process involving multiple jurisdictions—the City of San Jose, the County, and various water districts.
The 2017 floods actually damaged parts of the trail infrastructure, and the repairs led to better, more resilient bridge designs. It’s an evolving landscape. What you ride today might have a new detour or a freshly paved section by next year.
Actionable Steps for Your Ride
- Check the Status: Visit the Santa Clara County Parks website specifically for the "Coyote Creek Parkway" to see if there are any seasonal closures due to flooding or maintenance.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is mostly fine, but in the deep southern stretches near the reservoirs, it can get spotty. Having a downloaded map of the Coyote Valley Open Space area helps.
- Start Early: In the summer, the Santa Clara Valley hits 90°F by noon. Aim to be off the trail or in a shaded section by 10:30 AM.
- Pack a Repair Kit: Some sections are miles from the nearest road access. If you get a flat, you need to be able to fix it yourself, as there are no bike shops along the creek.
- Park at Hellyer for Facilities: If you need a real restroom and a water fountain that actually works, Hellyer is your best bet. The further south you go, the more "rustic" the options become (think port-a-potties).
The San Jose Coyote Creek Trail isn't just a line on a map; it's the spine of the valley. Whether you're using it to escape the office or to find some peace among the oaks, it's the most honest look you'll get at the landscape of San Jose.