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Upper Penitencia Creek – Penitencia (Gross) Ponds loop from Penitencia Creek

Routes

Mountain biking trails

Upper Penitencia Creek – Penitencia (Gross) Ponds loop from Penitencia Creek

Moderate

3.4

(3)

riders

Upper Penitencia Creek – Penitencia (Gross) Ponds loop from Penitencia Creek

01:53

17.5km

510m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 12.6 km for 231 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.00 km

Penitencia (Gross) Ponds

Lake

2.37 km

Alum Rock Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Alum Rock Park is open 8am to a half-hour after sunset. This 720 acre park is home to a whole host of outdoor activities including running, hiking, equestrian sports, and just relaxing at one of the picnic areas. A huge perk is the potable water the park has so that you can top off your bottles mid-run.

Tip by

5.17 km

Todd L. Quick Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail can be ridden in either direction and plays out similarly no matter how you ride it. A short, switchbacky climb is rewarded with a fun twisty descent. If you need a rest after the climb there's a shady place to stop at the top of the hill.

Tip by

11.9 km

Historic Mineral Springs Grotto

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Mineral Springs Grotto in Alum Rock Park tells the story of the area's geological history and abundance of natural mineral springs. Developed between 1891 and 1902, masons crafted intricate stone grottoes using native rock to protect the springs: sulfur, magnesia, iron, and carbonated soda springs. These springs once supported a thriving health resort, with waters believed to have medicinal properties. Today park visitors can explore the grottoes and interpretive panels along the Creek Trail to learn about the springs’ historical significance and the park’s transformation from an ancient ocean beach to the stunning canyon seen today. Unfortunately, soaking is not allowed these days.

Tip by

11.9 km

Amazing stone bridge

Highlight • Bridge

It's really amazing that this stone bridge is still here. I understand it was originally built to easily get pack horses across the creek — and of course the people with them, too.

Tip by

12.6 km

Alum Rock Park Visitor Center and Stone Bridge

Highlight • Rest Area

13.6 km

Alum Rock — Upper Penitencia Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Upper Penitencia Creek Trail runs through Alum Rock Park and connects to many of the area's trails. The trail itself is an easy gravel ride for beginners and kids, but many of the adjoining trails are more challenging.

Tip by

13.9 km

Upper Penitencia Creek

Highlight • River

You can find free parking and restrooms by the side of the creek. From here you have the option of many different hilly but nontechnical trails up to Eagle Rock, Inspiration Point, Boccardo, or along the creek side.

Tip by

16.3 km

Penitencia (Gross) Ponds

Highlight • Structure

Visitors to the Penitencia Creek Trail can view the water-filled Dr. Robert W. Gross Recharge Ponds. These ponds, part of a system designed to recharge underground aquifers, are crucial for maintaining healthy groundwater levels that supply nearly half of Santa Clara County's water. While the ponds support wildlife, their primary purpose is water filtration, and visitors are reminded not to introduce fish or animals into the ponds.

Tip by

17.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.0 km

3.74 km

2.32 km

340 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.59 km

5.53 km

2.13 km

1.92 km

1.04 km

325 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Saturday 16 May

23°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Upper Penitencia Creek – Penitencia (Gross) Ponds loop from Penitencia Creek

Alum Rock Park

Todd L. Quick Trail

Historic Mineral Springs Grotto

Amazing stone bridge

Alum Rock Park Visitor Center and Stone Bridge

Alum Rock — Upper Penitencia Creek Trail

Upper Penitencia Creek

Penitencia (Gross) Ponds

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