Mine Trail

Dogs Leashed

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The Mine Trail is a major trail in Santa Teresa County Park. It begins at the central picnic area - the Pueblo Day Use Area, and circles through the interior of the park, crossing many of the park's trails along the way. In other words, the Mine Trail provides access to the park's entire trail system, and therefore a variety of hikes.

To get to the Mine Trail from the parking lots in the central picnic area, cross the road to find the route. Turn right onto Mine Trail and begin heading southwest. This trail starts through the grass meadows and hills of central Santa Teresa Park. These meadows and hills are very green in the winter and spring, and then turn golden tan in the summer and fall. Glimpses of the Santa Cruz Mountains can be seen ahead in the distance.

After about .5 miles, the Mine Trail begins to run along a small creek to the left of the trail. Although still in grass hills, the terrain to the left of the trail is wooded along the creek bank. After about another .3 miles, .8 miles from its trailhead, Mine Trail veers right at a trail junction.

As the Mine Trail bends to the right, it leaves the creek behind and begins climbing gradually through grass hills. Another trail junction with the Stile Ranch Trail, is reached shortly, 1.0 miles from the Mine Trail trailhead. Stay to the right to continue on Mine Trail. After passing Stile Ranch Trail, Mine Trail continues climbing gradually through the grass covered Santa Teresa Hills. The East Bay Hills come into view in the distance as the trail reaches its high point.

After about another quarter mile, 1.3 miles from its trailhead, Mine Trail crosses Pueblo Trail. One can return to the central picnic area by going right onto Pueblo Trail. To continue on the Mine Trail, stay to the left. This will take one to the trails in the northwest corner of Santa Teresa Park.

After passing the Pueblo Trail, the Mine Trail is flat as it crosses a road and then continues through the grass meadows and hills. Views of suburban south San Jose can be seen ahead, below the East Bay Hills. Mine Trail passes another trail to the left about .2 miles after Pueblo Trail.

Mine Trail then begins a steady descent that is rather steep in places. As it descends, the hills become a mix of grass, low brush, and wooded areas. There is a stream valley to the left of the trail. Suburban south San Jose is seen below. Mine Trail passes Hidden Springs Trail and Norred Trail as it descends to end at the edge of suburban south San Jose.

Grass hills with stands of trees. Wild turkeys.