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NEW TRIP POLICY: Please limit your sign-ups to 1 weekend trip and 2 weekday trips per month.

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Alum Rock Park

Black-headed Grosbeak by Brooke Miller

Located within the Alum Rock Canyon in east San Jose, this park is California’s oldest municipal park. Habitats include chaparral, riparian, mixed forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain. We will look for Spring migrants such as Black-headed Grosbeaks, Rufous-crowned Sparrows, California Thrashers, Acorn Woodpecker, raptors, and possible Lazuli Buntings.

Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.

Trip Difficulty: 3-4 miles; dirt trails, little to no elevation gain; steep in some sections; some shade

Leaders: Howard Friedman (408) 806-6772 and John Harshman (408) 406-4733

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up

Meet: Eagle Rock parking lot

Directions: From US-101 or I-680 exit McKee Rd east towards the hills. Turn left onto Toyon Ave then turn right onto Penitencia Creek Rd. Continue on Penitencia for about 0.7 miles into the park. Once in the park, continue another 0.9 miles. There is a control light along this stretch of the road due to the road washing away making the road a one lane road. The Eagle Rock parking lot is on your right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.393568, -121.815682.

Facilities: bathroom, drinking water, no cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking, no fees

Banner Photo: Black-headed Grosbeak by Brooke Miller

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.