Grant You This

Hiking or biking in Joseph D. Grant County Park

High up in the foothills overlooking Santa Clara Valley, Joseph D. Grant County Park is a vast landscape of hiking and biking terrain where the grass colors often run in hues of browns and bronzes. But just add water (aka heavy rains) and Joseph D. goes wild in more ways than its location! Wildflowers are coming in the next several weeks (buttercups are already blossoming) and the grassy hills have gone from golden to green ... really green ... their finest shade of green in quite some time! Early spring is one of the best times to visit this exposed park (summer heat can be very unpleasant and possibly dangerous). This 5-mile loop hike (or mountain bike) goes up and through the hills, with valley views framed by the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Begin on the Halls Valley Trail, which starts off flat but soon ascends into the exposed expanses, past oak trees and up to impressive views of Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. You’re likely to pass grazing cow-lifornians, delighting in the greenery just as much as you. After about 2.5 miles, turn right at the intersection to follow Cañada de Pala Trail, where you’ll hike along the ridgetop for about 0.5-mile until you get to another intersection and turn right again for Los Huecos Trail. Descend to the base of the hills and back to Grant Lake to complete the loop.

From 680, take the Capitol Expressway exit and merge onto E Capitol Expressway. Use the two left lanes to turn left onto Quimby Road, and follow Quimby 10 miles into the park. Park for free at the Grant Lake entrance and follow Halls Valley Trail. Note: This is an exposed hike so not recommended in summer or other hot-weather days. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Dog-friendly!

NOTE: The above driving directions are an alternate route due to the current Mount Hamilton Road closure. Check the website for updates and driving directions when Mount Hamilton opens.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View
  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  3. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  4. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View