Santa Teresa County Park - San Jose, CA
Santa Teresa County Park: Dog-Friendly Hiking and Recreation in San Jose, CA
Santa Teresa County Park, conveniently located on Bernal Rd in San Jose, California, is a well-loved destination for dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This expansive county park offers a range of scenic hiking trails, including the popular Coyote Peak and Ridge Trail loop, and provides breathtaking 360° views of the South Bay from its highest points. Dogs are welcome to join you on these pet-friendly trails, making it a top choice for those searching for dog-friendly hikes in San Jose.
The park is family-friendly with amenities like playgrounds, picnic tables, restrooms, ample free parking at certain entrances, and a large open field perfect for outdoor activities. Benches are scattered throughout the park for resting, and shaded areas are available in some sections, although many trails are open and can get sunny. Note that dogs must remain on-leash throughout the trails. Visitors can enjoy wildlife spotting, open fields, scenic picnic spots, and a tranquil atmosphere, making Santa Teresa County Park a great option for both quick outings and extended hikes with your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be kept on-leash at all times while in the park.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Leashes are required for all dogs in Santa Teresa County Park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Some shaded areas are available near playgrounds and benches, but many trails are exposed and sunny.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches are located throughout scenic spots and near the playgrounds.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are provided at the trailhead and other areas of the park.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is ample parking at several entrances, with some free options depending on the lot.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are multiple pet-friendly hiking trails, including loops with city views.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and BBQ pits available for use.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trails can become muddy after rainfall, so plan accordingly.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Santa Teresa County Park is open throughout the year.
Reviews
Good place. Had a Cub Scout meeting. Cooked some hotdogs. From what we saw, Enjoyed the park.
Several trail options in a conveniently located county park with sweeping views of the South Bay. Trails are generally easy to moderate difficulty.
Love coming to this place! So quiet and serene.
Dog friendly is a big plus. Not everyone has their dogs with them
The trail I go on is coyote peak and ridge trail. That’s about 3.5 mile loop trail
Lots of trail options. A good amount of parking even on weekends.
Very good view of the city as well. Especially if you go to the top point on some of the trails, you get a 360 view
Coyote Peak and Ridge Trail Loop –
3.8 miles and 1 hr 50 mins to complete
Moderately challenging
Probably the Best park in San Jose since there are Lots of different trails & many different ways to choose from. The trails are clearly marked, but they can get a bit muddy after rains. Benches are scattered around the scenic spots.
The best time to visit is in April. Since the trail is completely exposed, April is not that hot. Also you can see a lot of wild flowers, even Poppy.
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Kids friendly hike
Very nice park. I think the best time to visit is in mid April. Since the trail is completely exposed, April is not that hot. Also you can see a lot of wild flowers, even Poppy. The vista loop is a must stop where you can have a great view of South San Jose.