Trail Signage Guidelines

City Of San José Trail Program

The purpose of this document is to provide the required tools for trail planners, designers, and contractors to deploy a cohesive trail signage program throughout the City of San José’s Trail Network.

by City of San Jose - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services

The purpose of this document is to provide the required tools for trail planners, designers, and contractors to deploy a cohesive trail signage program throughout the City of San José’s Trail Network.

The City seeks to develop a 100-mile Trail Network across 40 trail systems. At this time, 60 miles are developed and 85% are paved.

Throughout the development of the Trail Network, the City has consistently used best practices to support safer usage. Supporting this effort is the development of a comprehensive trail signage library with signs for common needs: regulatory, guidance, warning and custom messages such as wayfinding or points of interest. In addition, mileage markers track distances traveled and provide 911 operators the ability to quickly locate and dispatch assistance to trail users. A unique and consistent design approach will reinforce that the trails are within San José.

Attached document published December 2017

About the Author


San José has hundreds of unique and breath-taking venues perfect for an outside day. Visit one of San José’s 200+ parks, hike along 60 miles of scenic trails or visit a regional park.

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