In brief:
6.1 mile loop around and above Stevens Creek Reservoir.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 6.1 mile loop hike is moderate. Trailhead elevation is around 400 feet. The featured hike's high point is about 1170 feet, but one trail wanders up and down considerably, and the hike's total elevation change is about 1550 feet. You can take this hike in either direction, but Coyote Ridge Trail is a steep fire road, in my opinion, better hiked down than up.

Exposure:
Mix of sun and shade.

Trail traffic:
Moderate.

Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails and fire roads.

Hiking time:
3 hours.

Season:
Nice any time.

Getting there:

From Interstate 280 in Santa Clara County, exit Foothill Expressway (exit #13) and drive south on Foothill Boulevard about 1 mile to the junction with Stevens Canyon Road. Stay in the middle right lane and drive on Stevens Canyon Road about 2 miles to the park entrance on the left side of the road. Drive downhill, pull into the Chestnut Picnic Area on the left to pay the entrance fee, then continue on the park road to the ranger station on the right side of the road. Pick up a map, then continue down the road to the Baytree Picnic Area at the end of the road.

GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude 37°18'12.07"N
Longitude 122° 4'28.81"W
(* based on Google Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)

Trailhead details:
$6 entrance/parking fee. Parking for 17 vehicles, and one designated handicapped parking spot. Restrooms and drinking water at picnic area. If you look at the map(s) on line before visiting these parks, note that although the maps show parking areas at the Madrone and Sycamore Group Areas, the gates leading to the areas are not always open. There is some roadside parking at this southern portion of the park, but your best bet is to use the main entrance to Stevens Creek County Park as a trailhead. There is no direct public transportation to the park. Trails are wheelchair-accessible for short distances.

Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, pay phone, and store back on Stevens Canyon Road at Foothills. No camping.

Rules:
Some trails are multi-use, some just open to hikers and equestrians, and a few hiking only. Dogs are allowed in all picnic areas and most trails. Must be controlled on a 6-foot (or less) leash at all times. Not allowed in the water or on the Creek or Zinfandel trails.

The Official Story:
• SCCP's Steven's Creek page
• Stevens Creek County Park office: 408-867-3654
• MROSD's Fremont Older page.

Map Choices:

• Map from SCCP (download Stevens Creek pdf).
• Map from MROSD (download Fremont Older pdf).

Stevens Creek County Park in a nutshell -- a printable, text-only guide to the featured hike.




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