Posted today at mercurynews.com:

Created by an act of the Legislature in 1872, the park is tucked into a canyon on San Jose’s eastern edge. Trails to the top of the canyon walls offer impressive views of civilization to the west and the wild hills of the Diablo Range to the east. The hiking isn’t spectacular by Bay Area standards (maps and markers lack mileage estimates, for one thing), but it’ll do if you’re in the neighborhood.

Alum Rock has a colorful history. In its early days it was a spa that attracted folks who believed the mineral springs had curative powers. Grottoes built around some of the springs survive to this day – a couple are sulfur springs, which no doubt made people healthier the moment they stepped out of range of those wretched, rotten-egg fumes.

Over the years, various trains, tourist traps and amusement parks came and went. By the 1950s and ’60s, the city parks staff allowed Alum Rock to return to a more natural state. Deer, squirrels and the occasional wild turkey attest to the wisdom of the move. It’s not quite wilderness, but you can tell it’s right next door to the real thing.

From Another interesting Alum Rock story:

The first odd thing about the park is the famous “rock” itself. Well over a hundred years ago it was dubbed “Alum Rock” because it was believed to be impregnated with Alum. It was later discerned that it was not Alum, but Manganese. It is perhaps too late for “Manganese Rock Park” to catch on.

I was keen on investigating reports of un-dead albinos streaming down the slopes of the canyon, after sunset, to whisk away children and poodles lost in the gloaming.

I actually had somebody send me an e-mail inquiring about the dread Albinos of Alum Rock. If anybody ever meets one, please report the sighting.