Coyote Creek Trail

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.

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!

Hot dry trail, no water to drink or see.
I guess today Monkey cautious because we entered the trail just before sprinting under a couple bridges. Alone. Well, at least we got those sprints outta the way. Continuing along the paved side, there were only a pair of walkers and a random biker. Weather forecasted 73, but here, I beg to differ. And the growing smell of… Lo and behold, the Milpitas Main Sewage Pump! Great. Just great.
At this point, we opted for the tree shaded sidewalk of McCarthy Ave., which turned out to be a slight rolling hills along the flat street. The sweet smelling jasmine didn’t hurt either.
Not a bad trail, especially with the paved, gravel and a few off-​road detours into the creek bed if you dare. Monkey may return if need be. With water.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 :)

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)