Communications Hill Grand Staircase
Ascend 252 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of San Jose and Silicon Valley, a local favorite for workouts and stunning sunsets.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow & city lights
Communications Hill Grand Staircase
Best Time
Golden hour glow & city lights

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend 252 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of San Jose and Silicon Valley, a local favorite for workouts and stunning sunsets.
"The best views of the Silicon Valley and the hills in San Jose. Great spot for exercise or watching the sunset."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a 252-step climb! Athletic shoes are a must for comfort and grip.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 252-Step Grand Staircase
Mullinix Way & Montevarchi St, San Jose, CA
Ascend this iconic staircase for breathtaking, unobstructed panoramic views of San Jose and Silicon Valley.

Sunset Cityscape Views
Top of the Grand Staircase
Witness the magical transformation of San Jose as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with color.

Communications Hill Trail Intersection
Midway point of the staircase
Discover a beautifully architected viewing terrace offering scenic vistas and a place to rest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb for Epic Views
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a 252-step climb! Athletic shoes are a must for comfort and grip.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
Ideal for prom, wedding, and city skyline photos. Expect crowds on weekends.
🤫 Respect Quiet Hours
While technically closing at night, be mindful of residents and keep noise down.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a 252-step climb! Athletic shoes are a must for comfort and grip.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
Ideal for prom, wedding, and city skyline photos. Expect crowds on weekends.
🤫 Respect Quiet Hours
While technically closing at night, be mindful of residents and keep noise down.
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking is often more available at the top near Casselino Drive and Lina Street.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Communications Hill Grand Staircase for its spectacular panoramic views of San Jose and Silicon Valley, making the 252-step climb a rewarding workout. It's a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset, and a great place for locals to exercise. Some note that it can get busy on weekends and advise respecting quiet hours.
"Great view! Great workout :)
There are some restrictions though. Visitors cannot be too loud."
Aida Martinez
"I love this place! The best views of the Silicon Valley and the hills in San Jose. There is a hiking trail with the view, very easy to walk. Great spot for exercise on the stairs or watch the sunset. Beautiful. I get inspired every time I go there."
Litara White
"What a cool spot! It was on my San Jose list for years; I believe I saw this originally on Atlas Obscura 🌍 It's not just a staircase--there is a trail that splits off. Lots of exercise enthusiasts & dogs while we were there before sunset."
Heather Lang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grand Staircase is located at 399 Mullinix Way, San Jose, CA 95136. You can access it from Mullinix Way and Montevarchi Street. Street parking is often available at the top near Casselino Drive and Lina Street.
Yes, street parking is available, particularly at the top of the staircase near Casselino Drive and Lina Street.
While not explicitly mentioned, biking to the area is possible, but you'll likely need to secure your bike at the base or top. The stairs themselves are for walking.
Information on direct public transport routes is limited, but checking local transit apps for bus routes near Mullinix Way or Montevarchi Street is recommended.
Many visitors access the stairs from the bottom on Mullinix Way, while others prefer parking at the top and descending.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Communications Hill Grand Staircase is free to access and open to the public.
The stairs are open to the public, but technically close at night. It's best to visit during daylight hours or just before sunset.
There is no admission fee to climb the Grand Staircase. It's a free public amenity.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Communications Hill, but they must be kept on a leash.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of residents and keep noise levels down, especially if visiting after dark.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
You'll get stunning panoramic views of San Jose, Silicon Valley, and the surrounding hills. It's especially beautiful at sunset and at night with city lights.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for prom pictures, wedding photos, and general city skyline photography.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Nighttime provides a stunning view of the city lights.
The top of the staircase offers the most expansive views. The viewing terrace midway also provides great photo opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and be mindful of privacy for residents before flying a drone.
🎫 🏃♀️ Fitness & Activities
Yes, it's a popular spot for workouts, with 252 steps providing a great cardio challenge.
The Communications Hill Trail is approximately 2 miles round-trip and intersects with the Grand Staircase.
Many locals use the stairs for running and interval training. Be mindful of others using the stairs for different purposes.
Yes, there's a connecting trail that offers a different perspective and a more leisurely walk.
The terrain includes paved paths and dirt trails, offering varied walking experiences.
🎫 🌸 Seasonal Attractions
In spring, a herd of sheep often grazes on the hill to manage dry brush, which can be an interesting sight.
Yes, the area can be beautiful with wildflowers, especially in the spring.
The elevated position makes it a prime location for viewing July 4th and New Year's Eve fireworks shows.
In mid-November, you might see trees changing colors with yellow, orange, and red hues.
The panoramic views are year-round, and the sunset views are consistently spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Grand Staircase
The staircase is more than just steps; it's a gateway to the expansive vistas of San Jose and the wider Silicon Valley. The climb itself is a workout, with many locals using it for their daily exercise routines.
At the top, you're rewarded with a panoramic perspective that makes the effort worthwhile. Whether you're capturing photos, enjoying a sunset, or simply taking in the scenery, the Grand Staircase is a must-experience landmark.
Panoramic Views and Photo Opportunities
This location is a photographer's dream. It's particularly famous for sunset views, where the sky often ignites with color, and the city lights begin to twinkle below. It's also a sought-after spot for prom and wedding photos, as well as capturing holiday fireworks displays.
Beyond the main staircase, the Communications Hill Trail intersects midway, offering a viewing terrace with well-architected scenery. This provides alternative angles and a place to pause and appreciate the landscape, especially during seasons with changing foliage.
Fitness and Local Life
Beyond the stairs, the Communications Hill Trail offers a more relaxed hiking experience, suitable for a leisurely stroll. The area is also known for being dog-friendly, with many visitors bringing their pets along for the walk.
Locals also frequent the hill for its social aspect, especially after sunset, when it becomes a popular hangout spot. During spring, the presence of grazing sheep adds a unique, pastoral element to the urban landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit