Search
Menu
Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista
Open Space Preserve

Preserve is open 7 AM to 7:00 PM
Lower Calaveras Fault Trail is closed due to unsafe conditions until further notice
All updates
|

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The current preserve hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve parking lot closes once the parking lot is full, or at 7:00 p.m. Visitors who are already inside the preserve before 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to stay until 30 minutes after sunset (Currently 7:30 p.m.). If you are coming to watch the sunset, we suggest arriving at least 1 hour early for the best chance at getting a parking spot.
THERE IS NO PARKING ALONG SIERRA ROAD. You must be parked inside the gates to access the preserve.
There is NO access to Sierra Vista from Alum Rock Park through Alum Rock Falls Road. Trespassing is strictly prohibited.
  • There are no restrooms or water available at Sierra Vista. 
  • There are no trash cans at Sierra Vista, as this attracts wildlife scavengers. Please pack out all garbage.
  • Note: Red Flag Warning days will lead to preserve closures. Check conditions before you go. 
Reservations are required for horse trailer parking at Sierra Vista. Please email info@openspaceauthority.org or call (408)224-7476 to request a reservation.
  • Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are only allowed on designated trails. Please stay on the trails to protect the preserves and the plants and wildlife that live there.
  • Pets are not allowed. For their health and safety, please leave them at home and never leave pets in the car while you hike, regardless of weather conditions.
  • Fires, fireworks, and smoking are prohibited.
  • Do not feed, disturb, touch, chase, or remove wildlife.
  • Do not remove or vandalize preserve facilities, including signs.
  • Hunting, fishing, and trapping are not allowed.
  • Possession or use of firearms, pellet guns, paintball guns, bows, or slingshots is prohibited.
  • Unmanned aerial systems/drones are not allowed.
  • Be considerate to other preserve visitors and share the trail.
  • Please leave no trace and pack out your trash.

How to get there

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Sierra Vista Point, Sierra Road, San Jose, CA 95132

Directions
  • From I-680, exit east on Berryessa Road.
  • Follow Berryessa to Piedmont Road and turn left.
  • Go right at Sierra Road.
  • Drive to the top of Sierra Road. The free public parking area and equestrian parking is located on the right.

About

This preserve in the Eastern foothills of Santa Clara County offers sweeping views of the Valley and the opportunity to stroll through diverse landscapes including oak woodlands, rolling grassland, and chaparral communities, characterized by their groups of shrubs. Perched above Alum Rock Park, the area protects watersheds, areas of land that absorb water for it to flow into streams and reservoirs, like Penitencia Creek and is home to several protected wildlife species including the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, American badger, and Western burrowing owl and other species such as golden eagle, mountain lion, bobcat, and gray fox.
 

Rolling hills of golden grass under a light blue sky

The Aquila Loop Trail is a mellow hike, perfect for beginners and families with young children. Enjoy expansive views as you stroll through grasslands and rock outcroppings that were once part of the ocean floor. Keep your eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks, bobcats, and acorn woodpeckers.

The preserve offers multi-use trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Stop at one of four benches along the trails to relax and enjoy the views.

Please note that there is NO access to Sierra Vista from Alum Rock Park through Alum Rock Falls Road. Trespassing is strictly prohibited.

Mountain biker turning a sharp corner on a trail

Next time you visit Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, download the OuterSpatial mobile app to engage in all aspects of the preserve with the easy-to-use interface and supportive features.

Download OuterSpatial

1,611

acres

3
levels
of hikes
25
minutes from
downtown
san jose
please do not
bring dogs