Dutch Flat and Dairy Trails is a 5.7 mile loop trail located near Mount Hamilton, California that features beautiful wild flowers. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
A great loop hike for wildlife and wildflower scouting at the park in the hills east of San Jose. This hike gives a nice overview of Joseph D. Grant County Park, passing through its distinctive oak-woodland ecosystem but sparing you from the brutal ascents and descents that characterize so many of the hikes in this park. Grant County Park (often called "Grant Ranch" because the land was once owned by prominent ranchers of the same name) does not have the waterfalls or rock formations that popularize many parks in the Bay Area, but it was vast swaths of open, wild terrain. The wildness manifests itself in a wonderful wildflower bloom every spring along with a wide range of animals you'll rarely see outside a zoo: coyotes, turkeys, bobcats, tarantulas and the occasional rattlesnake or mountain lion. Scan the skies for raptors (red-tailed hawks are common; golden eagles fly by, too) and watch for old dead trees where acorn woodpeckers have stowed future meals. Trails on this hike: Dutch Flat Trail > Dairy Trail > Brush Trail > San Felipe Trail. This is also a nice kid-friendly day hike if you're camping at the park. Spring is naturally the best time to go, followed by fall and winter. Summer's just too hot to enjoy a hike here.
Joseph D. Grant County Park website http://www.parkhere.org/portal/site/parks/parksarticle?path=%252Fv7%252FParks%20and%20Recreation%252
Note this hike starts out from the paid-parking area of the park. Take a minute to read the wildlife warnings -- I've seen a rattlesnake and friends almost bumped into a mountain lion. These animals are very shy around humans and almost never cause any problems, but you need to know what to do just in case. Wear sunscreen and take enough water and snacks to keep hydrated and energized. Fill your water bottle at drinking fountains near the restrooms. Contact: (408) 274-6121 Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset Fees: $6 per vehicle. Dogs: Allowed (leashed) Driving directions: From Highway 101 or Highway 680, take the Alum Rock Avenue exit eastbound in San Jose. Turn right onto Mount Hamilton Road and drive eight miles to the park entrance.
January 15, 2021I went on a Thursday morning. I saw very few people. It was so peaceful and quiet. The park is huge and you can make your hike as long or as short as you want to make it.
January 9, 2021
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021Good weather, nice and sunny with a breeze. Saw some deer on the trail & there was an okay amount of traffic on the trail
December 27, 2020December 19, 2020
November 7, 2020July 17, 2020July 3, 2020Was mostly disappointed with this trail. Not much to see, very dusty and linear. Very difficult to get to/from as well, with a dangerous narrow road on a cliff.
May 10, 2020May 4, 2020Was a gorgeous hike. Got in around 830 on a Saturday and finished at 11. Trail was not crowded enough space to social distance. Views are gorgeous but yes not much shade could see that as a summer issue. Will definitely be doing again!
April 25, 20205 stars due to views, squats of colorful flowers and their smell, easy for families with kids, very well mainteined, plenty of parking, social distance easy achievement. Don't think I'll do it on during summer, because of luck of shadowed areas, but probably will try the camp site.
April 19, 2020Beautiful day for a hike. Sunny and partial clouds with a slight breeze making it perfect. I went clockwise, being pretty exposed for most of the hike. So many pretty flowers, very peaceful. I hiked during covid-19 and the Parking was free, but no bathrooms open. It’s a county park, so luckily it’s open with wide trails to pass people on. It wasn’t too crowded. Loved this hike!
March 28, 2020Great trail with all kinds of options to make hike longer or shorter. We got a little turned around but it worked out perfectly as we finished just before the rain hit. Had our small pup on leash with us and the trails were muddy at parts, mostly on our in open pasture area. Also got to see cows in that area so watch out for cow patties . Can’t wait to come back again and explore!
June 23, 2019would probably see wildflowers in spring
March 24, 2019Very nice hike since everything was really green from the recent rains! It was very muddy at parts. I got to see some wild turkeys as well.
February 18, 2019Beautiful as ever but still muddy from the rain.
October 7, 2018Mid level trail. Not too steep. Clean bathroom available at the beginning of the trail.
October 3, 2018Beautiful views!
September 12, 2018My new favorite trail!
June 23, 2018Was not a big fan of this trail. For a place that we have to pay to get in expected the trails to be more walkable
December 20, 2017beautiful today was an overcast winter day. Nice cause this is pretty exposed. We saw no one on the trail. We did see either a bobcat or mountain lion, not sure, too far away and too quick. We saw baby wild boar. We saw lots of wild turkeys. I think this trail would be easier if traveled in the reverse (clockwise) direction, then the uphill would be more gradual.
October 2, 2017A peaceful and easy-to-moderate trail. The view is not as beautiful as Alum Rock in this season. But it is good option if you want to enjoy the trail only yourself.
August 20, 2017Pretty, quiet, and not too exposed. But cow poop and flies everywhere. Trails weren't clearly marked and we passed by a few forks not even realizing it, so I highly recommend taking your GPS with you.
April 3, 2017January 15, 2017Very wet after recent rains. More of a service road than trail. Great views of the surrounding mountains.
