Meet Ed

Hike at Ed R. Levin County Park in Milpitas

What’s in a name? A lot, if you’re visiting Ed R. Levin County Park in Milpitas. From strolling among fields of wildflowers to walking along a scenic ridge with beautiful bay views, the Spring Valley and Los Coches loop trails here combine to make a hike that's  short (3 miles) and sweet.

Start at Spring Valley Pond, following the paved trail to the Spring Valley trailhead, near the horse arena. The path leads down through a valley of buttercups and past Los Coches Creek (here you’ll cross the road briefly to get to Los Coches Ridge Trail). To hike the ridge portion of this loop first, set off to the left and start climbing! It’s worth it.

You’re rewarded with views of hills rolling all the way out to the bay. Pass the picnic table and begin descending through oaks, back to the Los Coches Ridge trailhead.

After crossing the road back to the Spring Valley Trail, this time go left to complete the Spring Valley loop too. Make your way back through the grasslands and enjoy the final stroll past the pond.

BONUS: Though the hiking trails here do not allow dogs, Ed R. Levin has an expansive off-leash dog park.

Traveling on either I-680 or I-880, take the Calaveras Rd. exit in Milpitas. Drive east towards the foothills along Calaveras Rd. To reach the Spring Valley Pond area, continue along Calaveras Rd. past Downing Rd. and turn right into the park area to reach the ranger station, visitor center, and Spring Valley Pond. $6 vehicle entry fee. Beware of ticks; portions of the trail go through overgrown grasses. No dogs. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

    View
  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View
  3. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View
  4. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  2. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View