Communications Hill Grand Staircase

About this spot

A long, lamp-lined staircase climbs Communications Hill to a view over San Jose and the valley, with the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mount Umunhum and Loma Prieta on the skyline. The sun goes down behind that ridge to the west, and the top flight of the stairs is a favourite photo spot at sunset. The stairs start at Mullinix Way and Montevarchi Street, and the round trip over the hill is about two miles. Park on the surrounding residential streets. It gets busy on weekend evenings, and the staircase is closed at night, so head down once the sun has set.