Although Winter is here, we can still throw on an extra layer or two and go enjoy the outdoors. Staying physically active and being out in the fresh air is essential, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. So here are some great spots in Milpitas for biking, jogging, hiking, and walking…
Ed R. Levin County Park
This County park is full of trails, which offer an array of opportunities for different levels of hiking. If you’re looking for a casual stroll, you can walk around Sandy Wool lake, or walk the Los Coches Ridge Trail or the Spring Valley Trail. For more strenuous hiking, you can take the Agua Caliente Trail up to the Monument Peak Trail, which is nearly 10 miles long. Come Springtime, this hike offers no end of greenery and flowers in full bloom along the way! 3100 Calaveras Rd., Milpitas
Hidden Lake Park
For a shorter, lighter walk, swing by Hidden Lake Park. Located off of North Milpitas Blvd. (between Jacklin Rd. and Escuela Parkway), it has a small lake that you can walk or jog around in under 10 minutes, and there are plenty of ducks and turtles to see along the way. If you want to expand upon your experience, you can also go up two different flights of stairs and continue hiking onto the Berryessa Creek Trail.
Berryessa Creek Trail and Hetch Hetchy Trail
Part of the Berryessa Creek Trail overlooks Hidden Lake and continues across Milpitas Boulevard, parallel to the creek. Note: You can move down into Gill Park to access the Hetch Hetchy trail from here to extend your walk. Park at Gill Park (located at Santa Rita Dr. and Paseo Refugio) and access both trails from there.
Coyote Creek Trail
This no-nonsense, urban trail is great for jogging, biking, and walking. Located near McCarthy Ranch, it veers behind the parking lots and buildings of companies including Amazon, and can sometimes seem a little drab in terms of scenery. But what it lacks in visuals it makes up for in a feeling of light and space. As a plus, it tends to be fairly empty at certain times of the day (i.e., before sunset or in the late morning), so if you’re looking for a place to get away, this is your spot. However, since it can get pretty empty, with no one around for minutes at a time, stay mindful of your surroundings and be sure to get in before dark. 2 Ranch Dr., Milpitas
Dragon Mountain
Note: We just found out that this location is currently closed due to some issues. Although Dragon Mountain is currently closed, this is such an awesome place to hike that it deserves a mention. The hike is about a mile long; it begins with a long, steep series of steps that lead up to a beautiful Buddhist temple, complete with statues and peaceful areas for sitting down and enjoying the scenery. When it opens back up again, be sure to check it out. And if you have kids, they’ll love the challenge of going up the steps and the accomplishment that comes with making it to the top! 3215 Calaveras Rd., Milpitas
If you have any favorite spots to hike, walk, or bike in Milpitas that we haven’t mentioned, feel free to write about them in the comments section below!
