I used to live literally next to this trail entrance and it provides a very enjoyable way to walk, run or bike. The downside is the proximity to CA-85 highway.
Great for a group or solo hike/walk. This can go on for what seems like a lifetime but it's worth it. I like doing walks to Shoreline and ending the day looking at the lake. If you have a dog it's great because you have the dog park by Google's CL buildings.
Very peaceful, very green, perfect for running and walking. It can take you from E.ElCamino towards Castro (actually it runs parallel to it but in the middle of it, you are closer to downtown Mountain view area)
The portion of the Stevens Creek Trail that runs through Mountain View is all paved. Easy access from many points along the trail. Crossings over major streets are elevated and protected. Occasionally very loud where it runs up next to a highway.
We live very near a trailhead for this place. OK, so, it's not a wild place, lush and green and quiet. The freeway noise is ever present; the creek is often dry, trail crosses roads and railroad tracks, and the tech world is very lose at hand. Still, it's a genuine respite- bikers, walkers, skaters, with enough variety to keep it interesting. Also well marked, with good signage, and well kept. All in all, this trail is a blessing in an otherwise dreary suburban landscape.
I was staying at a hotel that was next to the trail while visiting Ames Research Center. I rented a City Share bike and used the trail to avoid the crowds and traffic. The trail runs east to west and provides easy access to many areas of Mountain View. It is noisy in places where it is near major street or highway but it a nice escape from the civic madness of the bay area. The locals use it to bike, walk, run and walk their dogs and kids. The only significant hills were overpasses for major roads.
I regularly run Stevens Creek Trail as it winds south from Mountain View to the bay. There are hills, flat areas, and windy areas to simulate varied running conditions during a race. There are drinking fountains and places to rest along the route and you can easily run a 1/2 marathon round trip on this route.
This trail is flat, long enough and have water fountains almost every mile. I usually run there from 3 to 10 miles. Could be crowded sometimes.
The trail is long but where it hugs 85 it is so loud. So when the tax payers agreed to the road resurfacing it of course reduced the noise level (not). You will see homeless people on the trail sometimes, but that is all they are homeless and I have had no issues or see them as a threat. Trail is well used at most times. I wish we could get down to the creek bed and hike there, no water so great trail.
This trail is so convenient to travel from my neighborhood to Shoreline Park to see the fireworks on the 4th of July. I like to take my dog for walks here every few days. High school students and high tech workers on their bikes use it as a commuter route at certain times of the day!