Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

This is not one of the crowded hikes where you have to fight for parking slot (read mission peak). The hike itself is not too severe but a mild serene & beautiful place. It’s filled with wild flowers in spring. There are a bunch of benches for picnic at parking but no restroom.

We’ve been living here for nearly a year and I’m just now finding out about this pace. Where have we been all this year. This place is absolutely gorgeous. You literally see all of San Jose from the very top. I came here alone as a spontaneous choice but I can’t wait to bring my friends and hubby here with me.
Loved the cows. Loved the city view. Loved how peaceful it is when you just out there alone just taking in everything you can.
If you live in North Valley area and have been looking for a place to hike, you have to try this place. There are three different trails you can hike from. I was a bit scared because I saw a ton of holes but nothing happened hahaha
I will definitely come back here again and maybe more than once. When you’re a stay at home mom and wife you just have to find things to do to keep you active and busy at all times. Especially if you’re pregnant, walking is a must. You can literally walk for hours here.
I recommend this for anyone who loves hiking and serenity because you will get just that here.

I love this place! The hiking trails are good for beginners; easy hike for the most part.
It’s nice to go here when the pastures are green for great photos. A hidden gem in the bay area!

I experienced the scariest drive here with dips and turns that can make your stomach churn and head spin. It was a two-​lane street from the bottom of the mountain to the top of the mountain where the open space preserve is. It was so nerve-​wracking that I was literally at the edge of my seat the entire ride up.
Things got better once we parked and went on the hike itself though. There were five of us there and we opted to take the 1.2-mile Aqulla Loop Trail the shortest hike there. The trails were grassy and at times very narrow and bumpy. Despite that, we were able to take pictures once we got to the top of the mountain.
I see today as a one-​time deal; nice to have experienced it but not want to do it again.

Nice place to hike or just watch a sunset, so close to the city and yet feels so beautiful and closer to nature.

I parked in the Vista parking lot and I’m sorry to tell you the equestrian spaces were not well thought out. You parallel park in sort of gravel and then unload onto asphalt. I only have a normal sized pickup and 2 horse trailer and it didn’t fit all the way into the space. Luckily, the place was nearly deserted on a Sunday in August so no problem. The one trail you can go on with horses from that lot was typical of the East San Jose foothills, rolling hills covered with foxtails and wild oats with a few oaks visible in the distance. Trails were really hard and steep, not too rocky though, only in a few spots. I didn’t encounter any shade on the Boccardo loop but there were a couple of cattle troughs accessible for water. It is a good work out for your horse and I might go back but not until we get some rain and it’s prettier. There is a panoramic view of all San Jose Valley and you can pity the people down there covered by the smog layer :).

Back in Feb, my sis and I decided to try a new trail in the San Jose hills. We had driven up the two-​lane narrow Sierra Road at night because it’s the «spot» to gather views of the city.. .
We deem ourselves pretty physically fit so we thought nothing of parking at the very top. This place is so «open» that cows walk amongst you. It’s pretty serene in that aspect and there’s photos attached showcasing that.
ONLY fools would park at the top! Upon reaching the bottom, we looked at each other like «this is awesome, there’s a park nearby! (Alum Rock) fellow hikers and a flower garden… HMMMM…» Since we’re not from San Jose we didn’t even know a park existed at the bottom of the trail.
I’m getting SIDETRACKED!
Sierra Vista is great if you want open land to explore. It’s hilly enough to give a good work out and beautiful enough to provide scenic views, selfie moments, and wildlife.
At the same time… don’t «PSH» sunset parking hours. I think we glanced at it saying «6 PM or sunset» and chuckled NOT thinking that the lot would be bolted down by a padlock bigger than yo’ head. In our defense, we had never explored this area by day.
It was starting to get fairly dim and we were only a ¼ of the way back uphill. Sis mutters something to me about «let’s hurry because of the car…» and I’m like «Lady… I’m short of breath over here. Trying to speed walk uphill best I can!» There’s a photo included of the city landscape with me literally passed out for a solid 5 mins on a bench. I plan to have a portrait done of that and frame it.
I’m making this review funny, but I really felt like we were caught up in a segment of «I Shouldn’t Be Alive»… once the moon came out, I literally — gasped! — and grabbed onto her like she was a clown in a rodeo pit.
I DON’T like darkness, I DONT like not being able to see where my feet are walking, and I DON’T like our cell phone batteries dying at the worst possible time. Luckily she had something like 10% left and used her flashlight app. I was legit hyperventilating for a second. This hike was ALL uphill. At some point I remember stopping… telling myself to breathe… trying to reassure her that the car would still be there… and wanting to lay down in the path and hope I woke up the next morning.
All in all, arrive early, bring flashlights or your cell phone, pack snacks and LOTS of hydration, adhere to parking lot closures, hold on to a sense of humor, and look forward to being sore for a week.
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Patrick — «Park Ranger» — if you ever read this, please know that you were our hero that night. We remember hearing the sound of your truck engine and thinking you were driving away and trying to «run» the few extra feet to get your attention. Not only did you NOT cite us for having the car there after hours, but you took off the dog sized padlock AND laughed as I told you I nearly died… and you’re pretty cute. Stay cool. Check the lot often «after hours» you may find dorks like us trapped inside w/​o a compass.

Probably one of my favorite hikes so far in the Bay Area. We parked in the lot on Sierra road which wasn’t too crowded at 10am on a Sunday. So far I’ve only tried Kestral to Sierra Vista to Boccardo Loop but there are plenty of trails in the area. There are really cool views of the South Bay throughout the entire hike so plenty of opportunities to snap some pictures. The route we took is probably a moderate hike with parts that are steeper than others. The Boccardo loop has one section that is long and gradual (east part) and another section that is short and steep (west part). The west part will definitely get your heart pumping.
Overall, a nice scenic hike without the crowds.

It’s my new favorite local hike. Seriously. It’s about 20 minutes from my house, and it features several great loops, turns, and bends. I’m quite surprised that the hills to the East of the Bay Area can have great beauty.
Sure, Mission Peak is more challenging, no one here is questioning that, but if you’re looking for something more scenic, and longer, look no further than Sierra Vista Preserve.
It seems to be extremely windy all year long (I may be wrong since I’ve only been here in the Winder), so please be sure to bring appropriate clothing! There are ticks in the area so please be sure to stay on the trail.
Lastly, the parking lot closes half an hour after sunset, so don’t leave your car there!

SO. Came here before at night not knowing the closing gate hours nor knowing there’s a lower lot in a park. This time came in the afternoon with family and started from the vista lot. Since it’s all downhill, we considered it no problem breezing all the way to Alum Rock Park and exploring the mineral springs. It’s over 9 miles round trip with all the trails, but we didn’t think about that… sun lowered while we were only ¼ of the way coming back and got lost.
The b***h of a trail we ended up taking back unknowingly seemed to go on and on. And on. Aaaaaaand ooooooon… after I think 1 hr of traversing uphill and dying, my sis & I decided we had stepped into an Unsolved Mysteries episode and we’d never return to civilization. Adding to that the sun had completely disappeared & we’d reached the part of the summit where the bratty-​ass wind had made us chilly again. Finally got back to the car just as the ranger was closing the gate! We were not ticketed. :)
Bottom line… the trails are amazing during the day & park at the bottom!

Couldn’t ask for more when it comes to a local hiking spot. This park really has it all; incredible views of the bay right from the start. Many trails to choose from with different types of scenery. Relatively quiet on a weekend. And the drive up is quite fun and twisty if you dog that sort of thing! Only potential downside is I did not notice any restrooms.

Revisiting Alum Mountains. Few interesting things caught my attention. A brave couple went climbing the big mountains instead of sticking with the trail. I spotted an unusual heart shaped rock on the way. There were some birds actually making PEW noises that sounded much like an old school arcade game. The clouds were surrounding Mission Peak from the distance instead of these plain grass mountains. I heard a wild bobcat roaring loudly at something from the distance. Watched the sunset with a bunch of random people and enjoyed the beautiful view. Oh and I sat on top of the high hills & wasn’t scared of heights!!! #yay #iconqueredmyfears #jk #justalitto #iwouldntmindcominghereagain

Before the parking was created, I have to bike up for 60 – 90 minutes from Alum Rock park all the way to the top. It is a painful climb on the bike but it was worth it. I have always wanted to bring my family for a hike but my daughter does not like long hike. After the parking was open, we drove up Sierra Road and took me only 15 minutes to reach the FREE parking spot. Yes, its free and it was not crowded even on Sunday morning.
When driving up Sierra Road, watch for road cyclist since road is narrow and plenty of blind spot. There is a small portable potty for restroom but no water as I remember. Bring water and layer jackets since it is windy and cold. Plenty of nice trail for kids and adult. Get to the top of Boccardo Trail and yuou will be rewarded.

We’ve put off coming to Sierra Vista because until this summer, you had to come up the Boccardo trail from Alum Rock Park. This trail has an elevation change of almost 900 feet in about a 1 mile stretch, and we don’t like to work quite that hard. But this year a shiny new parking lot was opened along Sierra Road, so yesterday we finally visited.
From the parking lot we did Sierra Vista to Upper Calaveras, the cutoff trail to the ranch, and then returned the way we came for a distance of about 7 miles and 1000 feet elevation change. The views must be spectacular on a clear day — ours were a little hazy despite the wind earlier in the week. On a weekday there were very few people here, and the sweeping views across Alum Rock and up to Mt Hamilton were beautiful, even in the very dry conditions. The wildlife turned out for us — we saw a bobcat and a tarantula (yay!). I’d love to visit again when the hills are green.
No fees, no water, no facilities.

One of the nicest park here in San Jose. I can say that because I’m here almost five days a week for mountain biking. The trails are easy not that steep and lots of stuff to see.
Remember Mission peak?
You will love this place you just got to hike it or bike it.
I can’t really say a lot about this park you will need to see it your self.
The best time to go here is spring, of course the green pasture and fresh air, who doesn’t like that? maybe a robot?
This is the place to get a way for moment and enjoy the nature.
Don’t forget to bring water!

All I remember from this hike was…
«DADDYYYYYYYYY CAN WE GO HOME YETTTT…»
«DADDDDYYYYYYYYYY I should have stayed home with mommy to watch tv»
«UGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH DADDDYYYYYY… DADDYYY… CARRY MEEE…»
«DADDDDYYYY… I HATE THISSS… CAN I GO BACK TO THE CAR»
^this was my 9 year old cousin who tagged along with me and my older cousins to go hiking on this new trail. The funniest entertainment on the hike. ever.
Driving up to the parking space… we got a little lost. The address provided on Unilocal was not quite accurate for it stopped us at a house in the middle of the road. Had we not persisted to go on and keep driving for another 2 – 3 miles up, we would have missed this hike completely and turned back. Since it was a new trail we really didnt know where it was and where we were supposed to be. (It was opened on August 23, 2014).
Anyways, we hiked the Aquila Loop which is a 1.2 mile mellow hike is perfect for beginners and families with young children… (some young children… hahaha) There is an expansive view of northern Santa Clara County and Alameda County as you stroll through grasslands and rock outcroppings. A lot of… wheat… if I may add. But very beautiful and nature-​y.
We only did a snip of the Boccardo Trail which in full is actually 2.7 miles, but we had to turn back since my younger cousin was dying to go home. It was a beautiful view and of the city and everything was just dandy.
If you want to be «one with nature» as my cousin would say, these trails are a quite mellow hike with nice views! VERY LAID BACK HIKE!!! I was ready to fight bears/​lions, scrape my legs on rocks, find myself hanging on the edge of a cliff… but nothing of that sort!
Or well, maybe I just didnt get to try out the other trails yet!
There weren’t that many people there since it was still new, but there were a lot of bikers who biked up to the top, which was INCREDIBLE…
Can’t wait to actually go back and do all the trails completely.

It’s a scenic place. Undulating hills and Californian blue sky.
Mostly open space and exposed, but still have some forest part.
This park is only accessed through Alum Rock Park.
Overlook point on Boccardo loop trail is very nice. You can see Loma Prieta mountain and Black mountain.
The area passed the point, I saw only one person. So I was able to enjoy solitude.