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The Guadalupe River Trail is such a nice, family-friendly greenway, especially the area north of the San Jose airport. This adventure is best suited for adults towing kids in a bike trailer, or older children who are confident on their bikes. I do not recommend toddlers biking here because there are some parts of the trail that get pretty close to the river and can make fearful moms nervous. If you park at the Rotary Playgarden, you can easily hop on the Guadalupe River Trail without having to ride across any street. Just head toward the river, then go left to head north on the Guadalupe River Trail. It is just over a mile to reach the San Jose airport, where your kids will be thrilled to see airplanes up close. Past the airport when you get to the "Economy Lot 1", go right on the sidewalk, head over the river toward "Economy Lot 1", then you will get right back on the Guadalupe River Trail on the other side of the river. Enjoy the sights as you continue to head north on the trail, then turn back to return the way you came. Head over to the Rotary Playgarden: an awesome place to play, picnic and watch airplanes.
Alert: The Guadalupe River Trail is prone to flooding. Do not go on this trail in heavy rain, and especially when flooding is predicted.
Note: The Rotary Playgarden is only open 10am to 4pm and it is closed on Mondays.
Bathrooms
Yes, at the Rotary Playgarden and there are several bathroom signs along the greenway
Playground
Yes
Kid transportation
Bike trailer or stroller recommended. Biking not recommended for very young kids due to the proximity and danger of the Guadalupe river.
Suggested Route
Park at the Rotary Playgarden parking lot. Bike down the path toward the Guadalupe River. Take a left on the Guadalupe River Trail (to head north toward the bay). It's a little over 1 mile to reach SJC airport. Go as far as you desire, turn around and return to the Rotary Playgarden park.
Difficulty
Moderate (there are a couple of hills along the trail)
Parking Situation
Moderate - The Rotary Playgarden has a decent sized parking lot. Huge shopping center across the street to park at if necessary.
Entrance Fee
None
Bonus
Airplanes. And the Rotary Playgarden is awesome.
Official Park Website
Guadalupe River Trail (trail is paved, despite what website map says): http://www.sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?NID=2833 Rotary Playgarden: https://www.grpg.org/rpg/
Date Updated
December 2018
