This multi-use trail is located along the creek corridor of Stevens Creek and is a joint-effort of several cities and the counties that have reserved over 100 acres along the creek for public access, protecting it from a previous plan that including replacing the natural creek bed with a cemented channel!
The current trail passes through natural riparian habitats and tidal marshlands, providing a location for recreation and educational opportunities. The Stevens Creek trail is used for bicycling, bird watching, commuting, dog walking, education, hiking, jogging, nature walks, running, scootering, roller and inline skating, skateboarding, striding, and walking.
Here is a website that has additional information about this public access location: (
visit link)
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The sign at the coordinates reads:
"Discover Water
Stevens Creek is a riparian corridor for plants and animals and part of an intricate regional system for water supply and flood protection.
The creek originates in the Santa Cruz mountains above Palo Alto. It flows southeast along the mountain range and then turns northward where it flows into Stevens Creek Reservoir. Above the reservoir it is jointed by Montebello and Swiss Creeks, below by Heney Creek. As it descends to the valley floor, Stevens Creek enters an urbanized environment, flowing northward to San Francisco Bay. Stevens Creek and its tributaries make up the Stevens Creek watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains its runoff (excess water) to a certain creek or reservoir.
Winter rains and flows from Stevens Creek are unsed to fill Stevens Creek Reservoir. This water is later released downstream and is used for groundwater recharge. The water seeps or "percolates" through the earth's layers until it reached underground aquifers. this percoluation process helps clean the water before it reaches the underground storage basin.
Stevens Creek also plays an important role in flood protection for the lower peninsula. During rainstorms, water which runs off driveways, sidewalks and streets, travels through storm drain systems to the creek. The creek carries the excess water away from homes and businesses, protecting them from potential damage.
The plants and animals found along Stevens Creek form a riparian community. Mammals and birds come to the creek bank to forage and drink. Streamside trees and brush stabilize banks, shade the water and provide nesting habitat and food. Riparian communities are often stressed by urban development and pollution. The health of a creek reflects the conditions throughout the watershed, not just those along its bank. Activites taking place within the watershed, shuch as driving an automobile, using pesticides, construction and recreation all affect the quality of its water--OUR WATER."