The directions lead us through an apartment complex...not sure where hike starts.
Correct. No bikes allowed on Big Gulch, but yes on Japanese.
So there are 2 gulches, big gulch I haven't ever seen bikes, just pedestrians, runners and folks with dogs. Japanese gulch is a great trail for bikes but yes as Nicole said it can be muddy and you really need a bell as many people walk their dogs there as well.
Yes, although it is not super well maintained and when we went it was very muddy and very slippery.
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