Trails Open/Closure Status

All trails are open unless noted below. 

Last updated 10/10/2024 at 1:49 p.m.

About Mountain View Trails

The City of Mountain View manages over 10 and a half miles of paved (Class 1) trails along the Stevens Creek and Permanente Creek, Hetch Hetchy, and Bay Trails. These trails provide multi-modal recreational and commuting opportunities for a wide variety of users and offer residents a way to get outdoors and stay active, whether they are on their way to work or looking for a great place to exercise.

• Trails are open from 6:00 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset.
• Motor vehicles are allowed in designated parking lots and roadways only.
• Dogs must be on leash at all times.
• Animal handlers are required to clean up after their pet.

Trail Etiquette

The City of Mountain View reminds users to share the trails and respect your fellow trail users. By following the guidelines outlined below, you can contribute to a safe, pleasant experience for all.

All Users

• Remember to remain on designated pathways.
• Be sure to stay alert for other users and trail hazards. Always have at least one ear open.
• Communicate with other trail users. Announce yourself before passing by clearly stating, “On your left.”
• When in doubt, keep right and pass on the left.
• When resting or chatting, move off of the trail to let other users by.
• Do not block the trail. When in a group, never walk more than two abreast.

Bicyclists

• Check your speed. You should always obey the 15 mph speed limit, but be sure to slow down further if conditions call for it.
• To avoid accidents, reduce your speed when passing other users or approaching curves.
• Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users.

Users with Dogs

• Yield to other walkers or runners. To avoid conflict, have your dog sit or heel as other users pass.
• Dogs are users, too; they should be kept on a short leash and remain on the right side of the trail to avoid oncoming traffic.
• Maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all by picking up after your dog.
• Respect our wildlife. Please do not walk or run your dog in restricted areas.

New Regulations

Users should be aware of the following important regulations governing use of City trails:

• The speed limit for any trail under Article IV shall not exceed 15 miles per hour, but in no instance shall the speed allowed be greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.
• The use of electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters, as defined by the California Vehicle Code, and skateboards, is permitted.
• The use of electric skateboards is permitted for a one-year trial period from the effective date of any provisions of the California Vehicle Code, as amended, defining electric skateboards and permitting such use on trails.

Prohibited Activities

The following are prohibited activities within Mountain View parks and trails:

• Harming or disturbing wildlife and plants; and feeding animals
• No posting of signs
• No alcohol
• No camping
• No fires
• No powered airplanes
• No weapons
• No portable BBQs, canopies, chairs

Special Provisions for Trails

• Trail users are permitted on developed trails only.
• Trail users must limit speed to 15 mph and pass with caution.
• Trails and underpasses may be closed due to seasonal flooding.
• Domesticated animals are not permitted within Shoreline, but are permitted on Steven's Creek Trail south of Crittenden Lane.

The Friends of Stevens Creek Trail

The Friends of Stevens Creek Trail is a local community group whose goal is to raise community awareness and support for the completion of a trail in the Stevens Creek Corridor.

Founded in December of 1992 to support on-going local government efforts, the Friends was incorporated as a public benefit non-profit corporation in March of 1993. This grassroots community action group is endorsed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and by the Cities of Cupertino, Mountain View, and Los Altos. The Friends Volunteer Action Team organizes community outreach, education programs and trail work days and raises funds for enhancement of the Trail.

For more information contact the following:

• admin@stevenscreektrail.org
• www.stevenscreektrail.org
• ed@stevenscre

Impacts & Project Updates

Bay Trail and Stevens Creek Trail - South Bay Salt Pond Project at Pond A2W

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California State Coastal Conservancy will begin construction of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Pond Project at Pond A2W located immediately north of Shoreline Park and west of Stevens Creek. Pond A2W will be restored from open-water ponds enclosed by levees to tidal marsh by allowing silt to settle in the pond so marsh plants can establish. This project will require trucks and equipment to access the area by a route that nears the Crittenden Trailhead and all trailheads north for Stevens Creek Trail. It also requires they cross the Bay Trail as shown on the below map. Please watch for flaggers and signage to notify you when you may need to stop.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact the City at 650-903-6076 or visit the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Pond project website.