Sam Trail

Nice hidden gem. The creek brims with water after the rains and splashes nicely as you walk next to it. A couple of spots require careful traipsing on rocks or log bridges, but its not unsafe at all as long as everyone uses their common sense.

Absolutely loved the place, so quiet and calm. The sound of the flowing steam makes the journey worth taking.

Perfect place for hiking or playing water for kids with shadow in summer! Follow the creek all the way in the shade, don’t worry about the children getting sunburned. The gurgling water from the entrance to the halfway will keep the children playing for a long time! I saw a child swimming in a water, and the creek was very clear. But there are more mosquitoes, so be careful with the mosquitoes. The parking lot is relatively small, and it can park about a dozen cars by the side of the road. If you visit in the afternoon at weekend, I suggest you to pick the time after 3:30pm for parking based on today’s situation. Besides, you will be charged $6 for parking. Unfortunately I didn’t find any place or auto machine, or signs for the parking payment.

Very nice hike with water! Trail not matching what’s shown on the map. Recently it’s closed for restoration (saw signs on the trail

I have lived in the south bay for over 30 years.
This is my favorite LOCAL trail for enjoying a stream and the sound of waterfalls protected from the Sun - it is almost 100% shade. It also is a cool refuge on hot days (about 20 degrees cooler).
I cannot say enough nice things about this secret hiking spot. It is the most peaceful spot in the south bay for me.
While the "falls" here are not real waterfalls because the drops are only about 2 feet the sound is still captivating like real waterfalls.
This photo shows you are at the stream just walking a few feet from the parking lot.
It is also fun for experiencing climbing over rocks .... in fact on the way back I walk by the stream rather than the main hike.
To avoid getting lost at all forks in the trail pick the side that is closest to the steam.

Really enjoyed this hike with a bunch of 6-7 year olds on a sunny cold February day. Adults enjoyed the beauty of the setting, and kids enjoyed the challenge of crossing and re-crossing the stream and then finding a way through the numerous use trails.

A good place for boys and big boys’ adventure. No clear road and you have to across the creek to set step on the trail. Better wear waterproof boots or shoes.

Beautiful trail. Great to wade into water right at the beginning

Wow! Awesome place with lots of water puddles for kids. Serene location. Free parking. Love the sounds of flowing water. Highly recommend a visit.

Beautiful hike , shaded by woods along light water stream .

Great little trail! I went with my kids and it was really convenient for going with them and still really beautiful so I enjoyed it. There is a small area right at the beginning with a gentle slope to the river and shallow slow water to play in. We only did a short part of the trail but it seemed really wide, flat, and easy, punctuated with harder climbing parts. My two kids could still make it over with some help though and one of them is 3. BRING BUG SPRAY! Also we enjoyed taking camp chairs for the spot at the beginning. Beautiful trail!

One of the most beautiful hikes in the bay.

Beautiful place! Very nice hike. A bit difficult, some spots require climbing.

This is a great place to chill and forget your in the bay area. My wife and I and a few friends take our rc trucks for walks up there frequently. It's one of my favorites.

Sam trail is my fav at Sanborn! I go all the time, the drive there is sometimes tricky, but there’s usually parking! Make sure to bring water proof shoes for walking in the creek.

Quite easy trail for relaxing. There are many branches from there.

Very quiet, dog friendly trail

Nice hiking trail close to San Jose. Trail cross-crosses the stream a few times, so you may want to wear water shoes if it’s in rainy season.

A wonderful hike along a small creek that is shaded by a variety of trees including redwoods.

Really nice place to go with kids. They can play in the water, full of shade.