WALK THE LAND

LEG 3 - San Francisco to Fremont

Google Map: Map below, link to map here.

GPX Points: Download here.
View 3. Mission Dolores to Mission Santa Clara or Missions San Jose in a larger map

 

Route Overview

• Cities: San Francisco, Daly City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park. You then having the choice of crossing the Dumbarton Bridge to to Fremont (home of Mission San Jose), or walking through Mountain View and Sunnyvale to Santa Clara (home of Mission Santa Clara).  

• Description: Walk through San Francisco's Mission District, home to a large immigrant population from Mexico and Central America and, increasingly, to hipster boutiques and techie condos. See birthday cake Victorians, murals, ethnic groceries, 99-cent stores, upscale bars, and the much-maligned Google buses. Make your way through Daly City and over the hill to Colma, where San Francisco buries its dead (living population: 1,815; dead population: nearly 2 million, including Wyatt Earp and Joe DiMaggio). After you're contemplated your mortality, walk down the suburban peninsula, and through world-famous Silicon Valley (read: industrial parks). The peninsula is not the most scenic place--here's your chance to practice finding beauty in small places. If you veer east to Mission San Jose, you'll walk over the Dumbarton Bridge with its spectacular views of the bay (if you're lucky, you'll spot a gray whale), along the edge of the Don Edwards Regional Preserve, and through Fremont to the mission.

• Total Miles:

  • Mission Dolores to Mission San Jose: About 48 miles

  • Mission Dolores to Mission Santa Clara: About 45 miles

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Note: If you choose to proceed directly to Santa Clara, you can then walk from Mission Santa Clara to Mission San Jose and bus back to Mission Santa Clara before going on to Mission Santa Cruz.

SF Bay Trail Alternate: From San Francisco to Santa Clara, you can walk along the SF Bay Trail. The path follows the erratically shaped shore and takes quite a bit longer. It's also off the Camino Real. However, it's a bit more scenic. See maps for details: http://www.baytrail.org/maps.html

Suggested Schedule

• Day 1: This section can be done in 3 days. Suggested stopping points: Millbrae or Burlingame, and Redwood City or Menlo Park.

• Day 2: If you choose to go over the Dumbarton Bridge, the walk to the Fremont Mission is 20+ miles. If you get tired or want to linger, there are hotels near the Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

• Cyclists: Bikers can take all listed routes.

Path Information

• Elevation: All paths are mostly flat.

  • The section from Mission Dolores to Redwood City is mostly flat, except the climb over the hill on Dolores Street in San Francisco and mild grades up and over Mission Street (SF and Daly CIty).

  • If you choose to walk directly to Mission San Jose, you'll need to go up and over the Dumbarton Bridge (elevation 340 feet).

  • If you choose to walk to Mission Santa Clara, the route is flat.

  • The SF Bay Trail alternate path is flat as well.

• Path Surface(s): All paths are paved.

• Path Type(s): City and suburban streets.

Lodging
There are a number of hotels in Millbrae and Menlo Park/Redwood City. There are budget accommodations in Fremont and hotels around the university in Santa Clara.

Budget Accommodations

• Fremont

  • Dominican Sisters Motherhouse at Mission San Jose (right behind the mission). It's possible to stay at the motherhouse, but their schedule may preclude hosting guests. Rate unknown. Call beforehand to arrange your stay. 43326 Mission Boulevard, right behind the mission. Contact: Sister Karen Elizabeth at (510) 657-2468. 

  • Sisters of the Holy Family Mother House: This sisterhood of progressive nuns could not have been more welcoming. Their order was founded in San Francisco in 1872, to serve poor children and families; their work today includes efforts to stop human trafficking, increase supply chain transparency, and advocate for environmental justice. Hospitality is provided free of charge, but a donation is the right thing to do. 159 Washington Boulevard at Bryant Terrace, 1/2 block west of the mission. Call beforehand to arrange your stay. Contact Sister Ruth at (510) 624-4500.

 

Food
Food and water are readily available along this leg.

 

Recommendations: There are a lot of great ethnic restaurants along this stretch. From Mexican and Central American in the Mission, to Chinese, Russian, Italian, Basque and more on the peninsula.

• Basque Cultural Center (South San Francisco): Just a few blocks west of the Camino Real, is the Basque Cultural Center, which hosts an amazing array of cultural events and houses a ball court and restaurant. Open for Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30am to 2:30pm; Dinner Tue- Sat 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Sun 5pm to 9pm. 599 Railroad Avenue. .7 miles west of the route. (650) 583-8091

• Millbrae Pancake House (Millbrae): A beloved local spot for breakfast. Open Mon-Sun, 6:30am-9pm. 1301 El Camino Real. On the route. (650) 589-2080

• Pilgrim Kitchen Bakery and Cafe (Belmont): Shortdough cookies, doughnuts, pie, cheese Danishes. Plus you get to take a picture of yourself in front of the pilgrim sign. Open Mon-Sun, 5:00am-9:00pm. 311 El Camino Real. On the route. (650) 592-0638

• Russian Family Restaurant (Redwood City):Run by an older Russian couple, their blinchkis are delicious. Open for Lunch Tue-Fri 11:00am-3:00pm; Dinner Tue-Thu, Sun 5:00-9:00pm, Fri-Sat 5:00pm-10:00pm. 2086 Broadway Street at Jefferson Street. Close to the route. (650) 369-2950

 

Climate
San Francisco/Daly City/Colma are generally temperate, and can be downright cold and foggy no matter the season. As you walk into Millbrae you'll move past the fogbank and back into warmer climes. Fremont and San Jose can be scorching during the summer.

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LEG 4 - Fremont to Santa Clara

Google Map: Map below, link to map here. 

GPX Points: Download here.
View 4. Mission Santa Clara de Asis to Mission San Jose (Fremont) in a larger map

 

Route Overview

• Cities: Fremont, Milpitas to Santa Clara. Note: Mission San Jose is in the city of Fremont, NOT in the city of San Jose.

• Description: The majority of this walk takes you along suburban streets. You can opt to take the Coyote Creek trail for a stretch--the path is slightly longer, but it takes you along a lovely creek that meander along the last farm site in the area, and under flyovers. On Trimble Road, walk past the spot where a Columbian mammoth skeleton was recently discovered, then watch the planes take off overhead from SJO. The path ends on the grounds of the University of Santa Clara, which was built around the mission.

• Total Miles 

  • Streets only mileage - About 15 miles

  • Streets + walk along Coyote Creek - About 16 miles

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Suggested Schedule

• Day 1: Mission San Jose to Mission Santa Clara

Cyclists: You can take either path, though you may have to walk your bike on a few short stretches along the Coyote Creek trail (see path types below.)

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Path Information

• Elevation: This path is flat.

• Path Surface(s): All paths are paved, though there are a few underpasses along the Coyote Creek trail that may run through a bit of mud.

• Path Type(s): City streets, creek trail.

Lodging
Santa Clara: Currently, there isn't lodging available at the Mission or on campus grounds for walkers. Although there are quite a few hotels around the area, to accommodate campus visitors, they aren't cheap.

Food
Food and water are readily available along this leg.

Climate
This inland area can be scorching from spring through fall. Carry extra water during these seasons.

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LEG 5 - Santa Clara to Santa Cruz

Google Map: Map below, link to map here. 

GPX Points: Download here.
View 5. Mission Santa Clara de Asis to Mission Santa Cruz in a larger map

 

Route Overview

• Cities: Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Scotts Valley to Santa Cruz.

• Description: This leg starts in suburban Santa Clara and winds to the mountains, including a lovely alternate bike/walk trail along Los Gatos Creek. You'll enjoy beautiful views in the Santa Cruz Mountains - but first you have to get there: it's a steep climb, from 344 feet elevation in Los Gatos to about 1,800 feet at the top. Make your way down into the charming beach town of Santa Cruz.

• Total Miles:

  • Route taking side roads whenever possible: About 36 miles

  • Route taking streets/highways whenever possible: About 35 miles

Suggested Schedule
This walk can be done in 3 days, 2 days if you really push it.

• Day 1: Mission Santa Clara to Los Gatos - About 13 miles

• Day 2: Los Gatos to Scotts Valley - About 15 miles

• Day 3: Scotts Valley to Mission Santa Cruz - About 8 miles

Notes:

• There are two ways over the mountains--along Highway 17 (very dangerous, even for drivers) or along side roads. Bear Creek Road to Skyline to Summit to Mountain Charlie Roads seems like the safest option to H17. Many cars run on Bear Creek to Summit, there's little to no shoulder, and it's a few miles of difficult climb. The rest of the path sees little to no traffic. Also note, there are a few miles along Graham Hill Road, where there's not much shoulder.

• Lodging isn't readily available on the west side of the mountains or around the peak--if it does open up, then you could walk past Los Gatos the first day and make it to Santa Cruz on the second day.

Cyclists: Bikes ok on all routes, except the Graham Hill Road Trail (1.58 mi). Simply stay on the Graham Hill Road.

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Path Information

• Elevation: Flat until Los Altos, then a 1,500-foot gain over the Santa Cruz Mountains.

• Path Surface(s): Paved except for Graham Hill Road Trail, which is an alt dirt path with lots of tree trunks.

• Path Type(s): Streets, river trail. Alternate dirt trail.

 

Lodging
Multiple hotel/motel and food options in Los Gatos, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz. Currently, no readily available food or lodging at the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains. (Though you might try the Presentation Center, near the summit.)

• Scotts Valley Budget Options

  • Santa Cruz Ranch RV (Scotts Valley): No frills but friendly tent camping with showers and laundry facilities right along the route. Free coffee in the office. Tent camping for $50/night. Reservations required. 917 Disc Drive at Scotts Valley Drive. On the route. (800) 546-1288

  • Henry Cowell State Park (Scotts Valley): Tent or cabin camp among the old-growth redwoods. Restrooms, coin-op showers, water. Reservations highly recommended between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Closes seasonally; call for dates. $35/night. 2591 Graham Hill Road, near Lockwood Lane. On the route. (831) 438-2396

• Santa Cruz Budget Options

  • Santa Cruz Hostel / Carmelita Cottages: Dorm rooms from $23-28/night, private rooms from $55-$290/night. 321 Main Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets. 1.2 miles south of the mission. (831) 831-423-8304

 

Food

Food and water are not readily available in the mountains between Los Gatos and Scotts Valley. You'll be climbing a few miles up the mountain, which can lead to overheating. Plan to carry extra food and water during this stretch.

 

Climate

San Jose and Los Gatos can be blazing hot, and there isn't much shade on the path. The trek over the mountain will be taxing. Bring extra water.

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LEG 6 - Santa Cruz to San Juan Bautista

Google Map: Map below, link to map here. 

GPX Points: Forthcoming.
View 6. Santa Cruz to San Juan Bautista in a larger map

 

Route Overview

• Cities: Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Watsonville, Aromas, San Juan Bautista

• Description: This section starts with gorgeous walks along the coast, through sparkling little beach towns south of Santa Cruz. Turn due east toward Watsonville and begin the first of many days walking along the loamy edges of farms. You're approaching the super productive Salinas Valley, known as "America's Salad Bowl." Smell 20,000 heads of broccoli at once! Walk past the occasional rows of crops with pesticide "skull and cross bones" warning signs. Note that these fields are often right next to organic farms. Also see farmworkers picking produce with just bandanas to protect them. Wind up through quaint Aromas and over the hill to San Juan Bautista, an almost unbearably charming historic town.

• Total Miles: Forthcoming.

 

Suggested Schedule
This walk takes three days.

• Day 1: Mission Santa Cruz to Manresa/Sunset Beach

• Day 2: M/SB to Watsonville

• Day 3: Watsonville to Mission San Juan Bautista

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Days 1 and 2: You have many walking route options from Santa Cruz to Watsonville.

• Rails-to-Trails Route: Walk down to the beach and along the train tracks, which were recently designated for pedestrian use. Although the tracks are near the water, you won't see as much of the coastline as you would on the Coast route. There are a few trestles along the way - not recommended for those with fear of heights (though you can walk down to the ground and around the trestles). And it's not easy to walk on the track ties, as you have to concentrate on each step - though I found it meditative. On the plus side, you'll get a bird's eye view of quaint Capitola and Aptos. The stretch through the slough near Watsonville is unreal - just train tracks running through the middle of a stunning marsh.

• Coast Route: The path dips in and out along the shore, offering some great views. This includes some beach walking around New Brighton Beach all the way to Beach Road (turnoff to Watsonville), though this must be done on low tide.

  • Alt: If the tide is high, cut up before New Brighton Beach to the Rails to Trails path or follow streets (Park Avenue to McGregor and wend around to San Andreas Road).

• Foothill Route: Route on busier, but bikeable and more direct route.

Day 3: After Watsonville, there is one recommend walking path, along San Juan Grade route to Aromas and up over the hill to San Juan Bautista.

Cyclists: The foothill route is completely bikeable. The Rails-to-Trails route is obviously not accessible to cyclists. You can take the coast route until New Brighton and cut up to the foothill route or follow the Coast alt route.
 

Path Information

• Elevation: All paths are relatively flat. There's a climb of a few hundred feet on the foothill route along Freedom Boulevard, and along the walking route in the area from Aromas to San Juan Bautista. 

• Path Surface(s)/Path Type(s): 

  • Rails-to- Trails Route: Train tracks, paved roads

  • Coast Route: Paved roads, beach (low tide only) 

  • Foothill Route: All paved roads

 

Lodging
Hotels/motels available south of Santa Cruz / around Manresa State Beach, Watsonville, and San Juan Bautista.

 

Budget Options:

• Day 1 - Manresa/Sunset Beach: There are a number of beautiful campsites along the path:

  • New Brighton State Beach (Capitola): Restrooms. Coin-op showers. $10 "hike or bike" rate. 1500 Park Avenue at Kennedy Drive. On the route. (831) 464-6330

  • Manresa State Beach: Restrooms. Coin-op showers. $35/night. Turn off at San Andreas Road and Sand Dollar Drive, then 1/2 mile to camp. (831) 763-7062

  • Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA: (Watsonville) They have everything. Camp in tents, cabins, or an Airstream trailer. Showers, wifi, pool, camp store, laundry. Plus a train for kids, a bouncy house, and three 20-feet "Climbing Coconut Palm Trees" that "let you experience climbing a palm tree safely strapped in with belays." (At last.) Fees vary but tent sites go for around $45 for up to 6 people. 1186 San Andreas Road. On the route. (800) 562-7701

  • Sunset State Beach: Restrooms. Hot showers. $10 "hike or bike" rate. Turn off at San Andreas Road and Sunset Beach Road, then 1 mile to camp. (831) 763-7062

• Day 3 - San Juan Bautista: Mission Creek RV. Camp under the redwood trees in this quaint RV park. Proprietor Kurt Kurasaki's father built the park's throwback western buildings himself, on the grounds of a former orchard. Kurt and his staff are very welcoming and accommodating -- you're in good hands. Located on the Camino Real route, about a mile past the mission. 400 San Juan Hollister Road at The Alameda / Salinas Road. (831) 623-4456

Food
Food and water are readily available from Santa Cruz to Manresa State Beach, and in Watsonville. Less available on the stretch from Watsonville to San Juan Bautista.

Recommendations:

• Day 1: Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Campground Store (Manresa Beach): Even if you don't stay here, they have the WalMart of general stores. You may also be able to use their laundry facilities. (see above for info)

• Day 2: Fruteria Quetzal (Watsonville): Fresh cut fruit, smoothies, licuados, assorted Mexican goodies. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm. 433 Union Street at East Beach Street. (831) 728-6577

• Day 3: Matxain Extea Basque Restaurant (San Juan Bautista): Basque Restaurant Alert! Matxain Extea serves tasty, hearty food. The rather jolly owner is straight from Basque country and was happy to chat with us peregrinas past closing. Lots of old world goodness here. Open Wed-Thu 4pm-9 pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 1pm - 9pm. 206 4th Street at Mariposa Street. (831) 623-4472

 

Climate
Generally cool along the shore. Heats up past Watsonville - stock up with extra water.

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