Joseph Grant
County Park is in the eastern hills of Santa Clara County about 12 miles east of San Jose.
This is a spectacular park, perhaps the largest of the Santa Clara County parks, and is
not to be overlooked. You can run a relatively short course through the central part of
the park where the terrain is very moderate. Alternatively, you go for the long haul and
really get out "into the wild" covering some fairly difficult ground.
| Starting Place |
Joseph D. Grant County Park (Main Parking Area by
Restrooms) |
| Difficulty |
Moderately difficult |
| Water Stops |
None. Bring it! |
Special Features:
- Remote lakes and streams.
- Dramatic scenery.
- High quality mud.
- Potential for encounters with resident wild pigs.
Directions to Start:
Joseph Grant Park is located on Mt. Hamilton Road in the Halls
Valley, just east of the larger Santa Clara Valley. From San Jose, you need to get to Alum
Rock Avenue. You can do this from either Highway 101 or I-680. Exit onto Alum Rock Avenue
going east in San Jose. After a few miles, you'll see signs for Mount Hamilton Road. Turn
right onto Mount Hamilton Road and travel eight miles to the Grant Park Main Entrance (on
the right side of the road). Turn right into the park. (I believe a parking fee is
required.) Continue straight into the park for a little less than a quarter mile, then
turn left toward the restrooms. Park there.
Maps and other park information may be found at the following web
site:
http://claraweb.co.santa-clara.ca.us/parks/prkpages/grant.htm
