Stop and Stair

Hike the Communications Hill Grand Staircase to Views of San Jose

08.17.2022

Settled in 1777, Communications Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in California, yet its Grand Staircase is a modern delight for urban hikers. This 252-step staircase and 2-mile (round-trip) trail offer beautiful views of Silicon Valley without ever leaving San Jose.

Grand Staircase in Communications Hill

Hiker taking in the panoramic view of San Jose at the top of Communications Hill Grand Staircase

Hikers begin their journey at the corner of Mullinix Way and Montevarchi Street. While climbing the white stone staircase, be sure to stop and take a look over your shoulder, as the surrounding peaks will soon be visible over the city skyline. At Communications Hill Trail, cross the trail to continue up the staircase.

This final stretch is lined with stately columnar trees and classic lampposts, making this a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset. Once atop the stairs, a beautiful vista awaits: San Jose, with a backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains, including Loma Prieta and Mount Umunhum.

At the top of the staircase, turn left to follow Casselino Drive, its stone balconies the perfect spots to stop and soak up the view. Then turn right onto Empoli Street for a glimpse of the decommissioned microwave tower that marks the top of Communications Hill.

Retrace your steps back to the Grand Staircase, and descend to Communications Hill Trail, which stretches between Casselino Drive and Vieira Park. This flat, paved stretch is perfect for strollers and dogs, and is ADA accessible. Vieira Park, named for the neighborhood’s early inhabitants, is a great place to refill water bottles, enjoy a picnic lunch, or let the kids blow off some steam on the small playground.

When you’ve had your fill of fun, return to the staircase and retrace your steps back down to Mullinix Way.

The bottom of the staircase can be found at the intersection of Mullinix Way and Montevarchi Street. From CA-87, exit onto E Capitol Expwy. Turn right onto Pearl Ave., then Hillsdale Ave. Turn left onto Regency Ave., then right onto Marble Arch Ave. At the intersection of Montevarchi and Mullinix, the staircase will be on the left. Street parking is available. The staircase is open to the public, but closed at night. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View