Horse Alley

Horse Alley is an interesting spur loop path that veers off of the more popular Juanita Cooke Trail, following an abandoned railroad track, a tunnel beneath a busy street, and equestrian avenues of varying widths through a residential area with several private stables.

While many Juanita Cooke Trail users will likely unthinkingly pass the Horse Alley access, few tend to venture down or realize it is a loop that meets back up with the main trail later. The trail is maintained by the City Parks and Recreation Department, though the profusion of No Trespassing signs by a few adjacent property owners may be off putting. If you stick to the trail, you'll be fine.

The loop can be explored by hikers on the Juanita Cooke Trail, or the nearest dedicated parking may be curbside parking near the Valenica Mesa Drive trail access. Following the Juanita Cooke Trail as it crosses Bastenchury Rd and eventually crosses over before forking down toward a set of unused railroad tracks, where a use path parallels the tracks until reaching Euclid. At Euclid, a tunnel passes beneath Bastenchury Rd, then climbs very briefly before an unsigned path descends into the Horse Alley path.

The single track varies in width, and tends to weave between large residential backyards - many of which contain horse and animal stables, though others have been converted over to swimming pools or tennis courts. The trail contains some twists and turns, a couple short sets of stairs, and on a couple occasions empties into residential streets - these sections can be confusing and using the trail navigation will save some looking around here.

Eventually the trail climbs back and passes through a gate to rejoin the Juanita Cooke Trail, at which point a short route will lead back to the parking area.

Hikers should note that the trail route can get confusing without navigational aid, however cel signal is excellent here to help reference the trail track.

There is no water or any amenities along the trail.

Horse Alley can be incorporated into area's larger trail network for those who might be interested in further exploring the area.