Touring *

From U.S. 101 on the southern edge of San Jose, exit toward the west at Highway 85, also known as the West Valley Freeway. After approximately five miles, take the Almaden Expressway, heading south. Go left on Camden Avenue after about 2.5 miles, and follow Camden as it curves around to the south alongside Alamitos Creek. As you proceed south, you'll see the Almaden Lake Trail (see page 152) at the roadside, but this trail terminates in gravel. The Alamitos Creek Trail picks up as you pass Shearwater Drive on the right, and just two blocks farther is Carra Belle Park, also on the right. You should find ample curbside parking on Villagewood Way, which marks the southern border of the park. The paved bike path is just across Camden Avenue.

South San Jose residents enjoy strolling, biking, and skating on the Alamitos Creek Trail, which keeps getting longer as new homes are built ever further south alongside this pretty creek. Lucky for residents, the newer neighborhoods are being designed with the recognition that people need a place to walk their dogs, take an after dinner stroll, or get a serious workout. The Alamitos Creek Trail picks up just a few blocks south of the Almaden Lake Trail (see page 152), and it's only a matter of time before the gravel connection between them is paved as well. For now, you can skate out and back from all three legs of the trail or stick to the best two legs. Starting at Carra Belle Park, skate the least interesting stretch first, going back toward the north next to Camden Avenue. The trail here is closer to the street than it is to the creek, so your view is dominated by the nice-looking neighborhood. Turn around at Shearwater Drive and return to your starting point, continuing on to the bridge at the intersection of Camden Avenue and Royalwood Way. Cross Royalwood and skate left over the short bridge and then immediately right to follow the trail that begins on the east side of the creek. (You can also continue on the trail on the west side of the creek after you cross the street, but this has some pretty rough pavement and would only be enjoyable at high speed or with soft wheels to absorb the vibrations.) The creekside trail is quite pretty, and it's much closer to the water and shady trees than the first section. You'll find quite a few raised cracks caused by the roots of the trees growing right next to the trail, so keep alert and be prepared to hop over them. The trail dips down for the underpass of Almaden Expressway, finally terminating at Harry Street. Return to Royalwood, and instead of crossing the bridge back to Camden Avenue, stay on the east side of the creek. After you cross Camden, turn right to follow the bike path that runs next to the street. This is not quite as scenic as the creekside trail, but is has a better surface. It also terminates at Harry.