Hmm, maybe I just missed the full beauty of the Coyote Creek Lagoon trail but on my recent walk here, I just wasn't as impressed. There are two locations to park for the Lagoon trail. The first is right in the middle of the business area and it's easy to miss so keep an eye out! We were driving in the business building lots for awhile and eventually gave up in trying to find the entrance to the trail lot. We ended up driving down to the South lot, closer to the industrial building/warehouse side. The trail does connect the two so we eventually saw the north lot. Both are smaller lots but we had no problem finding parking when we got there on an early Saturday morning. From the south to the north, it's not a very long trail, maybe 1-2 miles. The trail we walked on was also not a loop, but we may have just not gotten to explore the whole thing. It's very flat so super easy for folks who just prefer to walk and not hike. However, there's not much to look at. Sure, there's the lagoon and the birds/animals around it, but there aren't any exciting landmarks or hidden spots. There's also no trees for shade so if you're coming during sunny weather, be sure to pack a hat and some sunscreen. read more

When it rains as hard and long as it has been, I have limited options for taking my daily constitutional when I'm out and about because like Adele, I'm always chasing pavements. Even if it leads nowhere. Like this trail. I walked only the northern half near McCarthy Ranch where a fence prevented me from walking underneath Hwy 237. Not a problem for me since it smelled of fecal matter. Northbound it is. I headed north alongside the mostly hidden Coyote Creek to Dixon Landing Road. There was a series of homeless encampments and even an open campfire. I kept walking. Sights along the way included landfill and the back of an Amazon distribution center. It was only five miles to go back and forth, but hey, I did get a lot of my steps in without getting mud on my shoes. No small feat between atmospheric rivers. Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

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Coyote Creek Trail is basically flat and short-distanced, my favorite kind of trail for a nice and easy run. If looking for more of an "adventure," go in the other direction starting from the parking lot, toward Alviso along highway 237, where you'll find moderate slopes and a slightly more challenging terrain (this is beyond the sign that says Coyote Creek Trail ends). I also think it's more scenic by the water, and the trail widens, plus you don't get that stink that permeates the air in parts of Milpitas. I don't recommend going after dark (in either direction) as there are no lights and can be scary, especially if you're by yourself. But otherwise, Coyote Creek Trail is a peaceful paved path for walking, jogging, or biking, surrounded by nature (I even saw a tiny snake while running), but still close enough to businesses that you could easily fit it into a day of errands or grab food nearby. There is limited 4-hour parking at the entrance, and of course McCarthy Ranch parking lots across the street. read more

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I am indifferent to this trail. I started by the 237 freeway and didn't go more than 3 miles north. So I more likely missed out on some good scenery. I would say this trail would be more for bikers, as they could explore the trail along its vast stretch. The south portion is more industrial. If walking or running, stay on trail. There are many homeless people living by the river or by the interior dirt trails. Be careful. I would prefer starting by the north end to experience more of a wooded or pasture style setting. South end has homeless camps. If they clean up the area, I could give it a better score. Big warehouses like Amazon are set up in this area. More trees or bushes would help to block out the industry feel. read more

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If you are looking for a flat trail with minimal views for bike riding, walking or jogging that is right off the 880, then this is your place! We ended up here after driving out to Sunol only to find out the open space was closed during pandemic. Desperate and disappointed, we ended up here so that is part of why I wasn't too impressed with this place. We parked in a free 4 hour spot right at the Ranch entrance (across from the big shopping center). Needless to say we were quiet and bummed the whole time because we wanted to get a good hike session in. I digress... This trail isn't very wide so we stayed on the side (gravel, rocks) to let the bicyclists zoom by. It was a Sunday around 11 am so it wasn't very busy. We walked all the way to the Floor Decor & More and back for a total of 3.5 miles. It was mostly families and groups of men on different types of bikes so I don't recommend it for running as I can easily see an accident occurring if you are running with earbuds. The views? To the east are the beautiful hills but also the 880 and various office buildings. To the west are some trees and wildlife (saw 1 hawk) but also a group of homeless folks living amongst the trees. read more

Did you know that a famous Pirate Captain is buried right near the Coyote Creek Trail? Here is my experience with "Captain Elvira" https://youtu.be/j9ONR3G93Sc This is a pretty well-maintained very flat Trail perfect for beginner Riders. There's also a lot of Walkers and joggers along the trail. The bad news is that some of the trailheads are disgraceful. The one in Milp off McCarthy is just completely full of trash and 2 shopping carts full of junk. I wouldn't want to come here at night. So all in all a mixed experience. Nicely maintained trail, poorly-maintained Trailhead area. read more

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This trail has been my go to spot for running these past few months. The trail is very easy to find, located right off 880 across the street from McCarthy Ranch in Milpitas. The trail is not too crowded so it perfect for social distancing. It very popular among bike riding groups so runners need to watch out for those because they can come out of nowhere sometimes. However most of them will let you know they are coming up from behind, so you can move out of the way. I am not too sure how long the trail is, I've been about 1.5 miles in and then turn around. The trail is flat and paved, so it is perfect for some easy miles. However, this isn't the trail to come to if you are looking for views. On one side is 880 and some businesses/construction sides, the other side is just a dried up creek with some homeless camps in the bushes. Overall, nothing to write home about, however, if you are looking for a flat trail to run and aren't looking to admire the scenery, I would come here. read more

Well paved trail heading north but you will eventually have to go to sidewalks on and off again to make it to Newark. We did a 17 mile up and back with very little exposure to cars, pedestrians, or other bikers. It's was very flat and quite peaceful. Perfect to ride side by side with a friend. Parking lot at McCarthy Ranch lot is tiny but I suppose you could use the retail area across the street? I find this same trail but southbound from 101/85 towards Morgan Hill to be a more enjoyable section as northbound was consistently flat with no shade breaks. Some beautiful view of the Bay along the way once you pass Milpitas dump, No sign of duck hunters. read more

Nice trail ... calm and quite . Enjoyed long walk on the trail . Beautiful views and more enjoyable and beautiful in little sunshine as without it its pretty cold . read more

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Coyote Creek Trail runs parallel to McCarthy Blvd between Montague Expressway and Dixon Landing Road along the Coyote Creek. It also links up to the Bay Trail. The northern part of CCT is paved and the rest is dirt/gravel. So, it doesn't matter which you prefer to stomp on, you got it. The scenery is not too exciting as you encounter office buildings, apartment complex, and a little farming compound on the way. Occasionally, you'll have to share the trail with cyclists. People walk their dogs here as well, some without leashes which is clearly against city regulation, so beware. When it's migration season, you are likely to run into paunchy geese and the countless droppings they leave behind. It becomes an obstacle course. Watch where you step! Despite the minuses, I still enjoy coming here mainly because of its convenient location and easy access. Skip the rush hour traffic and spend some time outside after work. The drive home is a breeze then. read more

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So since I moved into my new hood, I've been curious to see how this trail would be like as my old neighborhood basically had the rich house hills of Mission and also Mission Peak. I started scoping out the trail with gmap-pedometer to see where I should be running and how far. I aimed for 6 miles and realized I could extend my run near my place, run on the trail till Montague Expressway and head back. So that was my plan. I headed up Sunday morning before the potential rain that would be coming our way. It was cold...but I still headed out. I started the trail at the 237 exit/entrance for McCarthy Ranch. The trail does end as it's closed for the parallel paved road near 237. It turns to a dirt/gravel path that's fairly well maintained. It was very very quiet and running by yourself you're quite aware of your surroundings. I saw maybe a few runners eventually, one person walking, and a couple of employees working the trails. I did see a group of dirt bikers. Let's just say since it's not a highly populated trail, I ran really fast at underpasses. On my way home on the other side of the creek where you can't really see the creek (on the east side of the creek), there were more folks but then again maybe folks were waking up on their Easter Sunday morning. Overall a very flat trail, just need to get used to the rocks. Maybe I'll warm up to the trail the more I run it and get more comfortable with the trail. Since it was my first time I didn't know what to expect. Now I kind of know where I'm heading and will keep furthering explore the trail to see where it ends! read more

I've run on this trail many times and quite frequently seen some very shady people on this trail. Be careful. Especially as a woman alone. Don't listen to music while running but make sure you have your cell phone with you. There's some dark areas underneath an overpass and behind the creek. There's people hanging out in the middle creek area and you can't see behind the trees. Not the safest!!! read more

Make a left on Ranch Dr not a right(where all the stores are). Trail only runs 2 miles North where it ends at McCarthy entrance and a little over 3 miles South (had to find my own trails after 3 miles until it was a complete dead end which was around the 4th mile). When you go south you have to cross the street to find the entrance. You'll see an entrance that says "trail ends" at first but you have to go past that a bit and cross the street. Not a good place for distance running. read more

Note to San Jose City... 1) Pick up the bloody thorns from the trail or supply me with free inner tubes for life. Fourteen flats in eight weeks? WTF ??? 2) Stop the locals from fishing in the creek up at Dixons Landing. You know... the section where the water is all rank brown foam and it smells like death. 3) Ask the tubby white lard-ass bum who lives under the 237 freeway to maybe take his naked bath in the creek in the morning - before we do our lunchtime workout. Thank you. (PS: This isn't the Coyote Creek Trail from Morgan Hill) read more

3.5 stars. This trail is one of my favorites for bicycling so far. Pros: 1) not as crowded as LGC or GR trails. I love kids, but they don't know how to stay on their side of the trail with their bikes!! And some of their parents don't either! 2) nice, nature-y route with different parks as destinations along the way 3) more well marked and clear-cut in terms of which way you're supposed to go than the other two trails Cons: 1) It's a little bumpier than other trails because of all the trees. 2) I would NOT use this trail at night. No lighting, and obvious homeless encampments off the side of the trail in the creekbed. 3) There's also a lot of garbage lying around, but it's an urban area so I've sadly come to expect it. But there's a lot of pretty nature if you can look beyond the trash! Note to people with dogs: please keep your dog on the leash when you're on the trail. Having them run out in front of bicyclists is dangerous, even if the bicyclist is going at a leisurely slow rate! Thanks! read more

Note: This review covers the following section of the ~18 mile long trail: NORTH: Gravel - Highway 237-Montague Expressway (1.4 mi.) If you live or work around any point along the path of this trail, it's an excellent way to get out and get those calves some exercise by running or biking. Keep in mind that it is completely open, so if you plan on running/biking for long in the gorgeous yet harsh sun, carry sunscreen and water. It is usually not crowded (7am and 6:30pm - the times I've gone running on this trail). If you choose to run longer, there is good news, you don't have to be a daredevil and cross on Montague, you can detour a bit and take the paved trail that runs under the expressway. It is not scenic so don't expect much out of this "functional" trail :) read more

I tried biking this trail but ran out of trail after 2 miles. The other Coyote Creek trail paths shown on google maps are gravel canal trails that descend under dark underpasses that are a bit creepy. I really recommend biking the Coyote Creek Trail in *San Jose* rather than Milpitas. This Milpitas trail is good for maybe a 4 mile round trip casual walk. However, at the end of the trail there's a stench in the air. read more

This is a great man made trail, it's very clean and very quiet. Surprisingly so since it sits right by hwy 237 and is surrounded by businesses and shopping center (McCarthy Ranch). A neighbor of mine told me about this trail and since I was in the area with my pup I decided to take her for a walk. She LOVED it! It was real funny because she wanted to go off the trail and get a bit closer to the creek. I think she heard something, was frightened and came running back to me on the trail. I thought it was cute that she had this curiosity of the place and then ran back to me when she discovered something new to her. I've only been to this trail once and possibly it was a fluke compared to other people's reviews. But I enjoyed it none the less and do plan on returning soon. read more

I would give it 3.5 stars but Ill just be nice since it was one of the first trails I ever ran. This is located right across from McCarthy Ranch area and there is a small parking lot at the start of the trail. I have ran here in the morning and afternoon and it doesnt get tremendously crowded during the crowded hours. This trail is pavement or you can go off to the gravel road on the side.There really isnt much scenery since it is located near a bunch of stores. The 880 freeway will be on the right and there is a grassy area to the left. I just like that this trail isnt very crowded and I can run some errands after my morning jog. The trail is around 4 miles round trip so it is a great training ground for the beginning of a half marathon training. read more

Decent for a run in the winter, although it gets pretty windy. Its totally exposed to the sun so I wouldn't recommend it to those who don't like running in the sun. The scenery is so so. The grass is almost burnt out in the summer and there are a few buildings/apartments to gaze at while you run. read more

This place is a fun man made trail. If you're not paying attention you walk into the quarry area and get lost. Birds and wildflowers can be seen here in the spring. You can see all the way to Oakland on a clear day. I once saw a couple taking their engagement pics in the flower field. It was super cute. read more