Coyote Peak and Ridge Trail Loop

Coyote Peak is the must-visit point in Santa Teresa County Park in southern San Jose, California. This loop to the peak is a good way to get there: steep enough to provide a good workout and scenic enough to reward your efforts. Coyote Peak looks out over the southern expanse of Silicon Valley, with great views of both the Diablo Range to the east and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west. Admittedly, this park is not the sexiest hiking locale in the South Bay, but it's extremely accessible if you're in the neighborhood. And let's face it: few city parks have hills with this much elevation gain. Bear in mind that the park is very popular with mountain bikers, so come prepared to share the trails. This hike starts out at the Pueblo Day Use Area; you have to pay to park here, but the amenities (bathrooms, water, picnic tables, lots of parking spaces) are usually unavailable at the free trailheads around the park. Best time to come: If you come early in the morning before it gets too hot, you can hike here all year. Springtime wildflower season is very scenic, and winter offers the best views from Coyote Peak after a strong rain cleans up the smog. Summer and fall will be hot and dry with significant wildfire risk.