San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail 2015-05-26

Running by the San Tomas Aquino Creek, San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail is one of the three riparian trails in the South Bay that feed into the larger San Francisco Bay Trail system. The other two are Guadalupe River Trail and Stevens Creek Trail. When fully completed, this will join the Saratoga Creek Trail that is quite close to our home. I used the parking lot at the intersection of Monroe & San Tomas Expwy. 

A properly paved blacktop trail, this is a "bicycle highway." Apollo and I started out at around 9 am, which is apparently peak time for bicycle commute. I am sure in the first half hour or so, we must've seen 50+ cyclists zipping by us in both directions. You will have to keep your dog on a tight leash in this trail.

Great America

From Monroe St, we headed north. Once we crossed over Monroe St, the trail takes you through several underpasses, obviating the need to cross any street until Agnews Rd. There isn't much to describe for the first couple of miles - you will cross Walsh Ave, Central Expwy, Scott Blvd, Hwy 101, and Mission College Blvd before coming up to Agnews Rd.

Not impressed?

The next mile has some action. On the left is Great America Park where some rides were operating when we hiked. On the right, Levi's Stadium will loom garishly. I could never understand the rationale to build this stadium here in Santa Clara, even though it is now complete and operational. 

The trail continues ahead beyond Tasman Dr., crossing Great America Pkwy, Old Mtn View-Alviso Rd and Hwy 237 before joining the SF Bay Trail. I had hiked that segment on Day 7 of my SF Bay Trail walkabout.

Water break

The cloud cover we had earlier in the morning had given way to sun by this time. After a water break, we turned around and headed back, the underpasses providing some light shade every now and then. 

We completed the 8.2 mile out and back hike today in 2 hours and 16 minutes. 

More pictures from the hike today.
#Hiking #HikingWithDogs #SanTomasAquinoTrail