Once overrun for its springs, Alum Rock Park now has quieter feel

Penitencia Creek runs along the valley floor, and miles of hiking trails provide magnificent views of the Santa Clara Valley.

During its heyday, Alum Rock Park sported a bathhouse, band concerts, restaurant, swimming pool, zoo, penny arcade, carousel and aviary.

Famous for its 27 mineral springs, as many as 10,000 visitors would crowd into the park on a Sunday afternoon.

A narrow-gauge steam train — later electrified — carried visitors from downtown San Jose into the park for 25 cents.

After World War II, overcrowding had degraded the plant and animal communities.

The focus has shifted to enjoying the natural environment by hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking and viewing wildlife such as bobcats, black-tailed deer, gray foxes and (very rarely) a mountain lion.

The parking lot near the main entrance (15350 Penitencia Creek Road) is free, lots farther inside the park are $6, and on high-use days — including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day — parking rises to $10.

Part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the North Rim Trail hugs the side of the canyon with stunning vistas of the Santa Clara Valley.

Gail Todd is the author of “Lunchtime Walks in Downtown San Francisco” and a tour leader for San Francisco City Guides.