As many of you know Santa Clara County Open Space Authority has opened several new areas above Alum Rock Park. This new area of Sierra Vista OSP has some very nice views and offers a few challenging climbs. We are very proud of the work we have done to get these areas open for public access.
However, the only section of Alum Rock Falls Road that OSA has access to is the short half mile section between Furtado and Moore properties. That is the paved section between gates SV06 and SV07. At this time we do not have legal access to the rest of this paved road and we do not maintain or allow the use of this road to our trial users.
I have talked with the City Rangers and their stance is zero tolerance to anyone but the few folks that live on the Falls Road and if they find trespassers on this section of Road they will be cited.
We ask that the users of Sierra Vista OSP please respect the privacy of the people that live in the area and obey all regulations while on the trail system in this beautiful preserve.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or our office.
Just a thought: maybe along with the standard "no trespassing" type signs, the open space district might post a sign briefly explaining what you just said about it being a private road. I know there are similar private roads in one or more of the MROSD preserves, and I recall seeing a sign, at Long Ridge I think, telling folks to not use the paved road.
As much *****ing as we do on this list about limited trail access in California, you'd think there would be a party thrown every time new singletrack opens in our backyard. But I haven't heard a peep about Sierra Vista. Six and half miles of trail all open to bikes, including the connector trail which is open to bikers and hikers but... NO HORSES! How did this happen? Who do we need to thank?
I have always used the Alum Rock~Boccardo climb as a singlespeed sufferfest, but I was glad to have the 2x10 transmission today. The connector trail is the only true singletrack and it suffers from a few trail design problems as well as the typical new trail problems. But it's got some nice exposure and in a couple years it could become pretty technical (thanks to bad hydrology in a couple places and rocky soil). With the SW exposure, it will probably dry out sooner than ST or other South Bay options in the Winter.
I ran out of time and couldn't ride to the vista, but I'm looking forward to it next time. To me, this elevates Alum Rock from a "Better Than Nothing" ride to a "Way Better Than Nothing & a Good Workout" ride. It's not Demo, it's not Santa Cruz, but it's new it's fun and it's legal. We should take full advantage of it.
I started a thread a few weeks back on this trail system. We know it's there and are enjoying it. Lot's of props to Santa Clara County and their efforts to create more multi-use trails.
Here are a couple of images of the construction of the new section. We realize it is going to take some time and effort to keep this trail in good condition.
I also want to point out we are not Santa Clara County Parks. We are a separate special district and the Santa Clara County in our name designates our location. DT
DT, you guys have always been super cool when I have run into you. I talked to Patrick once and even thought about working for the OSA. Thanks for making these trails and keep up the good work!
As many of you know Santa Clara County Open Space Authority has opened several new areas above Alum Rock Park. This new area of Sierra Vista OSP has some very nice views and offers a few challenging climbs. We are very proud of the work we have done to get these areas open for public access.
However, the only section of Alum Rock Falls Road that OSA has access to is the short half mile section between Furtado and Moore properties. That is the paved section between gates SV06 and SV07. At this time we do not have legal access to the rest of this paved road and we do not maintain or allow the use of this road to our trial users.
I have talked with the City Rangers and their stance is zero tolerance to anyone but the few folks that live on the Falls Road and if they find trespassers on this section of Road they will be sited.
We ask that the users of Sierra Vista OSP please respect the privacy of the people that live in the area and obey all regulations while on the trail system in this beautiful preserve...
This is a really important point. It is pretty amazing that the OSA was able to negotiate an easement on this stretch of road. It has been locked down (figuratively speaking) tight since I was a little kid, and we don't want to do anything to jeopardize its use or the link that it provides to the trails on the south side of the road. Photo below of the current signage.
Originally Posted by hairylegs
As much *****ing as we do on this list about limited trail access in California, you'd think there would be a party thrown every time new singletrack opens in our backyard. But I haven't heard a peep about Sierra Vista....
Here's a link to the original post; thanks to Pete for starting.
Originally Posted by plantguy
Thanks for your comments.
Here are a couple of images of the construction of the new section...
Awesome photos. They don't do justice to the penalty for the CAT rolling over the edge.
I started a thread a few weeks back on this trail system. We know it's there and are enjoying it. Lots of props to Santa Clara County and their efforts to create more multiuse trails.
Actually, the agency that developed the Boccardo extension is the same one that created Boccardo. It's not Santa Clara County Parks, but the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority | Home. SCCOSA also runs the deservedly popular Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve south of San Jose. I don't mean to take away anything from Santa Clara County Parks, however. It is likely to soon open Calero County Park to multiuse, which will be very nice.
I rode the new trails the day after they were opened and we had a good time. We chatted with one of the SCCOSA rangers a couple times and he was a good guy glad to see the mountain bikers (and everyone else) enjoying the new trails.
I was very surprised to see so many county paddle markers on a private road. You know, those white markers on the side of the road with the county abbreviation and mileage notation on them. Emergency services and others use these to identify the location of a incident. I have no idea why county signs would be on a private road. These were not new signs associated with the new trail but had clearly been there for years.
A bit of poking around indicates there is a 97 foot bridge across the creek that was built in 1922 and refurbished in 1975. Was this done at the expense of the landowners?
If the road has been maintained by the county, it should be opened for everyone.
I don't know of any nearby parking. Someday there may be parking at the Sierra Road summit, but you can imagine all the potential problems with people using it to drink and "party," which is very likely one reason the public agencies haven't figured out a way to put a parking lot there.
I don't know of any nearby parking. Someday there may be parking at the Sierra Road summit, but you can imagine all the potential problems with people using it to drink and "party," which is very likely one reason the public agencies haven't figured out a way to put a parking lot there.
Yeah. Bugs me you can just frigging stop on a frigging public road.
And of course it is highly amusing that this Falls road segment between Alum rock parking and the open portion in SVOSP is closed. Is it not it all public land in between.
Oh, well. I just need to start earlier - but the further away portion would have been a great ride with kids, and I ain't taking them over the climb.
Yeah. Bugs me you can just frigging stop on a frigging public road.
And of course it is highly amusing that this Falls road segment between Alum rock parking and the open portion in SVOSP is closed. Is it not it all public land in between.
Oh, well. I just need to start earlier - but the further away portion would have been a great ride with kids, and I ain't taking them over the climb.
No it is not all public owned or managed.
We are currently working on a staging area at the summit of Sierra Road, it is in the permitting stage right now and once that is completed we will have it built and opened very quickly. DT
I was just looking at a map. Did not see any buildings or anything between Calaveras trail intersection and Alum rock parking lot. Whoever is blocking riding a bike there, screw them. Too bad.
What is that landing strip at the end of Calaveras trail?
Originally Posted by plantguy
We are currently working on a staging area at the summit of Sierra Road, it is in the permitting stage right now and once that is completed we will have it built and opened very quickly. DT
Cool. A dirt parking lot would be all we need. With no Boccardo climb would make for a nice family ride.
Are you also planning access at the trail that goes from intersection of Boccardo and Sierra Vista to Summit road as well?
I'm psyched for the Sierra staging area. It is a HUGE effort to make it to the vista from Alum Rock.
As hill climbs go, Dog Meat is a harder tractor pull, but going from Penetencia Creek to Sierra Vista takes longer and is no cake walk (and it is more fun- the connector trail always plasters a smile on my face).
It will be a staging area similar to Rancho Canada del Oro and we are taking measures to protect the view from both the staging area and the valley. It will enter at Sierra Vista trail and folks won’t need to stage at Alum Rock Park or ride up Sierra Road to legally access the OSA trail system. DT
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by plantguy
A dirt parking lot would be all we need. With no Boccardo climb would make for a nice family ride. 
