Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in San Jose
Enjoy a peaceful jaunt around the beautiful Almaden Lake. | Photo via @drjensolberg
The outdoors are for everybody — and there are plenty of hikes in our area that are friendly to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids. Get some fresh air on three of our favorite accessible trails.
The north portion of Coyote Creek Parkway features this 6-mile, paved asphalt trail that provides ample space at ~10 ft wide. The trail also has a gentle grade (3% or less), benches along the way, and four designated accessible parking spaces off of Hellyer Avenue at its north end.
Enjoy views of the lake (and that gorgeous mountain backdrop) on this 1.4-mile paved loop. The parking lot off of Almaden Expressway at the trail’s west end features four designated accessible spaces.
Bonus: If you’d like to extend your hike, continue on to the attached Los Alamitos Creek Trail, which is paved, has a gentle grade, and is typically at least 8 ft wide. Note that a painted dividing line along most of the trail technically reduces the width.
If you’re seeking more of a challenge, try this 15.6-mile out-and-back trail. The trail features various surfaces: Asphalt, cement, and wooden bridges with railings, all of which are ~5 ft wide.
While most of the trail has a grade of 5% or less, certain sections can get moderately steep at 1.9, 3.3, 4.6, 7.1, and 7.5 miles headed southbound, and some folks may need assistance.
What’s your go-to wheelchair-accessible trail? Let us know where we should explore next.
Music in the Park: J Boog, CRSB, and Andre Marcel | Friday, Sept. 22 | 5-10 p.m. | Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose | $38.50-$85 | This reggae artist returns for the third time to the Plaza, fusing his West Coast sound with his Polynesian roots.
Movie Night: “Secret Life of Pets” | Friday, Sept. 22 | 7 p.m. | Ganado Feed, 945 Lincoln Ave., San Jose | Free | Dogs are welcome to join this family-friendly movie night — BYO chairs + blankets.
Brew & Vine | Friday, Sept. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | CEFCU Stadium, 1257 S. 10th St., San Jose | $45-$69 | Sip beer + wine at the Spartan Stadium before cheering on our home team as they take on the Air Force Falcons.
Post Street Foodies | Friday, Sept. 22 | 9 p.m. | Post Street, 30 Post St., San Jose | Free | Get your grub on at this local food vendor fair.
Saturday, Sept. 23
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose | $16-$18 | Make Play-Doh moon cakes, enjoy a lion dance, and learn more about the Chinese + Vietnamese customs of celebrating the moon.
Culture Night Market | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 4-10 p.m. | Hillview Park, 2255 Ocala Ave., San Jose | Free | Hosted by local comedian ThatFool Al, expect craft vendors, delicious bites, and a special movie screening.
The SoFA Street Fair | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 2-8 p.m. | Downtown San Jose, SoFA District, San Jose | Free | Enjoy 80+ musicians and bands on more than 10 stages across two blocks.
Fall’OWeen | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 3-8 p.m. | 675 E. Empire St., San Jose | Free | Get ready for a pie-eating contest, sweet treats, spooky vendors, and more — costumes are encouraged.
Yom Kippur begins at sundown this Sunday, Sept. 24, marking the beginning of the Day of Atonement and holiest day of the Jewish calendar. All are welcome to join a Kol Nidrei Service on Sunday + a Shofar Blowing & Break-fast Buffet on Monday at The Chabad House.
Tech
Developer Gary Dillabough is eyeing downtown San Jose for an AI incubator space. During a recent Silicon Valley Real Estate Breakfast, Dillabough mentioned talks with a potential partner to bring 40-50 AI startups to the downtown area, though the partner and specific locations being considered were not disclosed. (The Mercury News)
Development
A mixed-use residential facility for seniors recently received final approval to go up in West San Jose’s Burbank neighborhood. The planned seven-story development will feature a 246-bed residential senior care facility, 61 apartments, and 6,000 sqft of retail space. (San José Spotlight)
Civic
Santa Clara County is working to revive its All-Inclusive Playground Grant program. Through the program, local nonprofits and jurisdictions can receive funding to build all-inclusive playgrounds in their communities for people with physical or cognitive disabilities. (San Jose Inside)
Opening
After several years of using temporary spaces, Downtown Yoga Shala will reopen in a permanent location tomorrow, Sept. 23 at 5 E. Reed St. The public is invited to attend the grand re-opening from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with yoga demonstrations, special guests, a ribbon cutting, giveaways, and challenges.
Sports
In preparation for their upcoming season, the San Jose Sharks will host various events around the Bay Area to connect with fans. San Joseans can look forward to seeing the team at the Oakridge Mall Taco Bell Cantina tomorrow at 2 p.m. as they kick off the “Sharks Around the Bay” tour.
Edu
Community college students can now be guaranteed admission to SJSU through a new program called Transfer Success Pathway. Students must sign up for a major and finish their community college degree within three years, maintaining at least a C average, in order to be guaranteed a spot. Apply by Saturday, Sept. 30. (San Jose Inside)
California Clean Air Day is Wednesday, Oct. 4. Take the Clean Air Pledge to complete easy actions, make small investments, and plan ahead to help clear the air. You can also celebrate tomorrow, Sept. 23 with a Breath of Life Walk at Hellyer County Park.
Job
Passionate about storytelling, news, and San Jose We’re hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about our city. See details + apply.
Wellness
Meet Beam Dream: a nighttime hot cocoa crafted with ingredients like reishi and melatonin. In a clinical study, 93% of users woke up feeling more refreshed. Get sippin’.*
Transit
Here to fuel your car-free day
Public transportation savings in San Jose, CA
Let’s talk about ways to get around town without the car. | Photo via SJtoday
Today, folks across the globe are ditching the car + trying alternative modes of transportation.
Pair the global celebration with the upcoming California Clean Air Day, and you can kill two birds with one stone (err, save two birds by keeping the air clean?) — go car-free today, and knock off a Clean Air Pledge action.
🚲 Bike Share is the new carpool
Bay Wheels costs $3.49 per 30-minute ride and $0.30 per minute after that. However, membership comes with a lot of perks — for around $14 a month, you get 45-minute rides, discounted e-bikes, and no unlocking fees.
🚈 BART + Caltrain are your public transpo BFFs
BART’s Orange + Green Line can get you anywhere in the Bay (though it may be a more roundabout route). Round-trip prices can cost as much as $17.30 — but you can get a 20% discount with Clipper START.
Caltrain day pass prices range depending on how many zones you travel, but Clipper START can also get you up to 50% discounts on single-rides.
Hey, San Jose. Nice to meet ya. I’m here for the next few days helping out the team while Alyson takes some well-deserved time off. Although I’m based in Chicago, two of my close friends live in the Bay Area, so I’m not totally unfamiliar with good ole San Jose. Drop me a line and share a fun San Jose fact with me, while I’m here.
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