Guadalupe River Trail South Section

The Guadalupe River Trail’s southern segment provides Almaden Valley residents with a 2.4-mile paved connection from the neighborhood to the broader San Jose trail network and VTA light rail. Running from the northern edge of Almaden Lake Park to Chynoweth Avenue, this section serves as both a recreational path and a practical commuting corridor for cyclists and joggers heading toward downtown San Jose.

Trail Overview

The southern section follows the Guadalupe River shortly after it forms at the confluence of Los Alamitos Creek and Guadalupe Creek downstream of Coleman Road. The paved surface is wide enough for two-way bicycle and pedestrian traffic, with a gentle grade that makes it accessible to all ability levels. The trail passes through a mix of residential neighborhoods and light commercial areas, with the river corridor providing a green buffer from adjacent streets.

The character of the trail shifts as you move north. The southern end near Almaden Lake feels suburban, with the river flowing through a landscaped corridor bordered by backyards and neighborhood parks. As the trail approaches Chynoweth Avenue, the setting becomes more urban, with the path passing closer to commercial areas and the VTA light rail line.

Access Points

Almaden Lake Park (south end). The primary access point for Almaden Valley residents. Parking is available off Winfield Boulevard near Almaden Expressway. From the lake, the trail connects seamlessly to the Los Alamitos Creek Trail heading south, creating a continuous paved corridor through the entire valley. Restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas are available at the park.

Coleman Road. A mid-point access where the trail crosses under Coleman Road near the confluence of the creeks. Street parking is available on nearby residential streets. This access point is popular with runners doing shorter out-and-back routes from the neighborhoods east of Almaden Expressway.

Chynoweth Avenue (north end). The current northern terminus of the southern segment. The Chynoweth VTA light rail station is within walking distance, enabling multimodal commuting. Cyclists can lock up and take light rail downtown, or continue north via surface streets and the Highway 87 bikeway to connect to the northern segment of the Guadalupe River Trail.

Commuting by Bike

The southern section’s real utility for many Almaden Valley residents is as a commuting corridor. Cyclists heading to downtown San Jose can ride the trail from Almaden Lake to Chynoweth Avenue largely separated from vehicle traffic. From Chynoweth, the Highway 87 bikeway fills most of the gap between the southern and northern segments of the Guadalupe River Trail, providing a largely car-free route into the central city.

The total distance from Almaden Lake Park to downtown San Jose via this trail corridor and connecting bikeway is roughly 10 miles, a comfortable 40 to 50 minute ride for regular bike commuters. The flat terrain makes it practical even on a standard commuter bike. Several Almaden Valley residents use this route as an alternative to the congested Highway 85 and Almaden Expressway corridors during peak commuting hours.

The Trail Gap

A significant gap currently exists between the southern terminus of the northern Guadalupe River Trail segment at West Virginia Street and the Chynoweth Avenue end of the southern segment. The Highway 87 bikeway nearly fills this gap, but the connection requires navigating some surface streets. The City of San Jose’s trail master plan calls for eventually closing this gap to create a continuous path from South San Jose to the San Francisco Bay at Alviso, a total distance of approximately 20 miles. No firm completion date has been announced, but the project remains in the city’s long-range transportation plans.

What You Will See

The river corridor supports a riparian ecosystem that provides surprising wildlife viewing for an urban trail setting. Great blue herons and egrets fish along the river banks year-round. Red-shouldered hawks patrol the canopy. During the spring migration season, warblers and flycatchers use the riparian corridor as a pathway through the developed landscape, making it a worthwhile stop for bird watchers.

The vegetation along the southern section includes mature sycamores, willows, and occasional valley oaks that provide partial shade. In winter, the river runs high and fast after storms, and the sound of moving water adds energy to the experience. In summer, the flow diminishes and the trail takes on a quieter, more contemplative character.

Running and Walking

The paved surface and measured distance make this section popular with runners. A common route starts at Almaden Lake, runs north to Chynoweth and back for a roughly 5-mile round trip. Combined with the Los Alamitos Creek Trail heading south, runners can piece together routes from 2 to 14 miles without leaving the paved trail network. The flat grade makes the trail suitable for walk-run intervals and recovery runs.

Dog walkers use the trail throughout the day. Dogs must be on leash. The river provides tempting wading spots for dogs, though the mercury contamination in the watershed means owners should discourage their animals from drinking the water.

Safety and Seasonal Notes

The trail is generally safe during daylight hours and sees heavy use, particularly on weekend mornings. Cyclists should call out or ring a bell when passing pedestrians. The trail passes under several road bridges where visibility is limited, so slowing down at these points is advisable. Lighting is minimal after dark, so bring a headlamp or bike light for early morning or evening use. Winter rains can occasionally flood low-lying sections of the trail near the creek confluence, and the city posts closure signs when this occurs.

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