Oak Cove Trail to Cottle Trail loop

You can park at the Calero County Park Main Entrance and Trailhead. This is the primary access point for the loop.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Calero County Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please ensure you clean up after your pet.

The loop offers beautiful scenery year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall provides pleasant temperatures. Summer can be hot, and winter may bring rain, making some unpaved sections muddy. Check weather conditions before you go, especially during the rainy season.

Calero County Park typically has a vehicle entrance fee. It's advisable to check the official Santa Clara County Parks website for the most current information on fees and any specific permit requirements for activities within the park.

The terrain is predominantly unpaved, with about 99% unpaved surfaces and only 1% paved. You'll encounter winding doubletrack, gravel roads, and some unsettled sections. Both the Oak Cove Trail and Cottle Trail feature grassy and wooded sections. Be prepared for steep climbs and potentially difficult-to-ride segments where you might need to push your bike.

The loop offers diverse and picturesque scenery. You'll enjoy great views of Calero Reservoir, especially along the Oak Cove Trail. The route winds through wooded areas with oak and California buckeye trees, as well as open grassy hills. Look out for birding opportunities, wildflowers, and wildlife like deer and turkeys.

No, this loop is generally considered a 'difficult' ride requiring 'good fitness' or 'very good fitness.' It features significant elevation changes, including challenging uphill sections, and predominantly unpaved, sometimes difficult terrain. It is not recommended for beginners.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Bay Area Ridge Trail - 03 - South Bay, Lisa Killough Trail, and Service Road.

Yes, the loop is known for its challenging climbs. The Cottle Trail includes a particularly steep uphill section, gaining about 500 feet in one mile. Additionally, the first hill encountered when starting the Oak Cove Trail can be tough. Be prepared for demanding sections that may require dismounting and walking your bike.

You'll find several points of interest, including the Calero County Park Main Entrance and Trailhead, stunning Calero Reservoir Views, and the distinct sections of the Oak Cove Trail and Cottle Trail themselves, which offer varied landscapes and shaded areas.

While there may be facilities at the Calero County Park Main Entrance and Trailhead, it's always best to carry sufficient water for the entire duration of this challenging ride, as water sources may not be reliably available along the loop itself.