Martial Cottle Park spreads across 267 acres in the foothills south of San Jose, offering a network of multi-use trails that wind through oak woodlands and grasslands. The park’s main trailhead sits near the parking area, where you’ll find a visitor center that gives helpful context about the landscape and its history. There are restrooms here too, which is always useful when you’re planning a longer outing.

The continuous trail system is what makes this place work well for dogs. Your dog stays on a 6-foot leash, and you’ve got options depending on how much time you have. Some sections are flat and easy, while others climb into the hills and open up to views across the valley. The oak trees are genuinely old—some likely centuries—so you get actual shade on warmer days, which matters when you’re walking in the South Bay sun. The trails are generally well-maintained, and you’ll pass through different sections of the park that feel distinct from each other.

There’s plenty of open grassy area too if your dog just needs to be somewhere spacious without the commitment of a full hike. The picnic areas work if you want to make a longer day of it and bring food. The park doesn’t feel crowded even on weekends, probably because it’s not right off the main roads—you have to intentionally drive there.

It’s straightforward enough that you don’t need to overthink it. Show up, pick a trail based on what you’re in the mood for, and spend a couple hours exploring the oak groves. The visitor center can point you toward different routes if you want recommendations based on difficulty or length.