Meet Ed

Hike at Ed R. Levin County Park in Milpitas

What’s in a name? A lot, if you’re visiting Ed R. Levin County Park in Milpitas. From strolling among fields of wildflowers to walking along a scenic ridge with beautiful bay views, the Spring Valley and Los Coches loop trails here combine to make a hike that's  short (3 miles) and sweet.

Start at Spring Valley Pond, following the paved trail to the Spring Valley trailhead, near the horse arena. The path leads down through a valley of buttercups and past Los Coches Creek (here you’ll cross the road briefly to get to Los Coches Ridge Trail). To hike the ridge portion of this loop first, set off to the left and start climbing! It’s worth it.

You’re rewarded with views of hills rolling all the way out to the bay. Pass the picnic table and begin descending through oaks, back to the Los Coches Ridge trailhead.

After crossing the road back to the Spring Valley Trail, this time go left to complete the Spring Valley loop too. Make your way back through the grasslands and enjoy the final stroll past the pond.

BONUS: Though the hiking trails here do not allow dogs, Ed R. Levin has an expansive off-leash dog park.

Traveling on either I-680 or I-880, take the Calaveras Rd. exit in Milpitas. Drive east towards the foothills along Calaveras Rd. To reach the Spring Valley Pond area, continue along Calaveras Rd. past Downing Rd. and turn right into the park area to reach the ranger station, visitor center, and Spring Valley Pond. $6 vehicle entry fee. Beware of ticks; portions of the trail go through overgrown grasses. No dogs. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View