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Black-headed Grosbeak by Luis Villablanca

Alum Rock Park (San Jose)

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.

Trip Difficulty: 3-4 miles, packed-dirt trails, uneven or rutted trails, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), steep in some sections, little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: Be prepared for hot weather

Leaders: Howard Friedman (408) 806-6772

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, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot

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

Trip sold out? Please check back later, we often have last minute openings.