Touring * Beginner * Speed *

From California Highway 237, exit on Great America Parkway and turn south. Turn left on Tasman Drive and left again on Centennial Blvd. Finally turn left on Stars and Stripes and park in the public parking lot at the west end. The trail connector is in the northwest corner of the lot, near the tennis courts.

The San Tomas Aquino Creek trail parallels it's namesake through some of the busiest parts of Santa Clara. It offers easy skating on smooth pavement with views of wildlife and the distant mountains ringing Santa Clara Valley. It is suitable for a quick fast skate or a leisurely tour. Beginners can enjoy the trail as long as they avoid the dips under the underpasses. Follow the short connector trail from northwest corner of the parking lot, across the creek to the main trail. It's fairly steep. Beginners should walk this section. Turn left (south) on the main San Tomas Aquino Creek trail. The trail takes a quick dip under Tasman Drive. Notice the attractive bas-relief art work on this and other underpasses. The trail opens up to a long flat section passing by the Great America Theme Park. This is a good section to stretch out on. You get a good view of my favorite ride - Top Gun. Carefully cross the intersection at Agnew Road and continue to the Highway 101 underpass. This is the deepest underpass of the trail. It's easy to pick up a lot of speed here. The trail ends at Scott Blvd. Turn around and return to the start point on the main trail. The trail continues north from the start point under several more underpasses and loops back to the intersection with the Bay Trail. Left (east) is basically a connector with not much to recommend it. Turn right (west) to continue on the Bay Trail. The pavement here is in good condition but has a rough surface. There are good views of the wetlands on the south end of San Francisco Bay. This section ends at the pleasant Sunnyvale Baylands Park. This is an alternative starting point. Return from here to the parking lot.