Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Nestled in the Eastern foothills of Santa Clara County and perched atop Alum Rock Park is the Open Space Authority's Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.

This beautiful and scenic Preserve is comprised of 1,676 acres of majestic oak woodlands, rolling grasslands and chaparral communities. The Preserve provides vital watershed protection for Penitencia Creek and is home to a number of protected wildlife species such as the red-legged frog, tiger salamander, golden eagle, mountain lion, bobcat, and grey fox. Cattle grazing with the gentle and beautiful Corriente cattle breed are part of a plan to reduce invasive plants and restore native species.

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve and the 3-mile Boccardo Trail is frequented by over 13,000 trail users annually. The trail system totals about 10 miles and is part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a 550-mile regional multi-use trail system planned along the ridge lines that encircle the San Francisco Bay. On a clear day views from the new trails include Penitencia and Arroyo Aguague canyons and Downtown San Jose, to the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay from Mountain View to South San Jose.

Currently, Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve is only accessible thorugh Alum Rock City Park, and some sections of the new Sierra Vista trails are dual-use only (hikers and bicyclists). Sierra Vista Preserve is open from 8am to sunset, no dogs allowed.There is no fee to use Sierra Vista OSP, however Alum Rock Park can charge $6.00 per vehicle on weekends to park within their lot.

Explore Related Categories