Belgatos-Heinz Loop - Mountain Bike Trail

Belgatos-Heinz Loop stands out as a short yet intense network of trails with epic views of Silicon Valley.

The Belgatos-Heinz Loop is a trail network running through Belgatos Park, and the Heinz Open space preserve. Biking on the loop is such a treat if you love a scenic trail. Belgatos Park offers spectacular, scenic views and amenities like bathrooms, parking spaces, expansive lawn areas, and picnic tables. The Heinz open space is named after Ralph and Sophie Heinz, the area's original owners. They left their property to the University of California for Ophthalmic research.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Belgatos-Heinz Loop offers the ultimate biking experience with its variable surface that includes steep climbs, singletracks, fire roads, and paved road sections. You can begin your ride from the Oak Ridge trail, which is a gentle descent. When you reach the bottom, turn left to join the Rocky Ridge trail, which connects to a path that follows Hicks Road. Turn right on Shannon, then take another right turn at Kennedy Road on Arroyo del Rancho. You will see the trailhead on the left.

Get on Santa Rosa Bypass to connect to the Santa Rosa trail. Ride all the way to the top of Santa Rosa. There is a trailhead across Santa Rosa. Follow it and turn left at the next two intersections to join the Valley View trail. Ride the trail all the way to the top, then descend to the end of the park. Valley View trail is pretty steep and has a few switchbacks. The climb is mostly straight with just a few curves for about 0.4 miles up to the junction Sky Lane trail.

The Vista to Valley View to Sky trail connection in the Heinz open space preserve has the most elevation that, totals 319 m. Ensure you are fit and ready for the climb.

Additional Trail Features

Belgatos Park has a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and expansive lawn areas for relaxing.

The viewpoint at Valley View trail has picnic tables.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

The first interesting stop is at the 17-acre Belgatos Park, which is super-scenic. You can relax on the picnic tables, restrooms, and on the expansive lawn areas. The accessible creeks in the park offer spectacular views.

The Heinz Open space preserve area, and the Santa Rosa Open space area also offer fantastic views. The Heinz open space Preserve is a birding hotspot. You will spot various bird species if you are keen.

On the Valley View trail, right before the intersection with Sky lane trail, you can stop to enjoy views of the Peninsula and eat your snacks on the picnic tables.

Recommendations/Precautions

• Carry plenty of water, as some sections of the trail can get too hot in warmer seasons.
• A few switchbacks on the Valley View trail.
• The Vista trail does not have many scenic views like the other trails.