Best attractions and places to see around Lexington Hills include a variety of natural features and outdoor activity areas. This region, primarily near San Jose and Los Gatos, California, is characterized by its natural beauty, parks, and extensive trail networks. Visitors can explore scenic viewpoints and engage in outdoor recreation. The area is known for its diverse landscapes, from lakes to mountain summits.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Highlight • Lake
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This 152-acre park connects right to the Los Gatos Creek Parkway. The park is open from 8am to sunset, and if you ride your bike you don't have to pay the vehicle entrance fee (currently $6).
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Climbing Mount Umunhum is a tough but rewarding challenge. The road is steep, with sections reaching up to 18% grades, so pace yourself. The views from the top are spectacular, making the hard work worth it. Start early to avoid traffic and the heat, and be prepared for a long, demanding ascent.
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Forbes Mill Museum, housed in a two-story building of the original 1854 flour mill, offers a glimpse into Los Gatos' history. Built by James Alexander Forbes as California's first commercial flour mill, over the years, it served various roles, including a power plant and a PG&E substation. Saved from demolition in 1982, the building now features historical exhibits as part of New Museum Los Gatos.
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This long climb starts pretty easy, then gets more challenging. The last 1.5 miles are taxing on the legs. On the other hand, riding down is exhilarating; you have the road for yourself since cars either dare go fast or can't handle the turns as bikes do. If you leave in the South Bay, CA-9 is something you want to experience.
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One of the highest virtually car-free road climbs in the South Bay, Mount Umunhum became quickly one of the most popular biking destinations since opening to the public in 2017 after being closed several decades for military radar operations. The hard work is rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and the surrounding hills, all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the West and the SF Bay to the north. Modern restrooms, drinking water fountains, and viewing terraces with benches welcome the weary. Don't be afraid, or too overwhelmed by your superpowers if you look at komoot's 9800 ft uphill climb estimate for this highlight. Their software is off by a factor of 5x or more. The actual elevation difference is around 1800 feet (about 600 meters). According to GoogleMaps the distance is only 5.2 miles, with about 2000 feet uphill. Even that is not bad, and you deserve to be proud ;-)
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I highly recommend stopping here during a jog/ride. The lake is right next to the Los Gatos Creek Trail.
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Great climb to access either Skyline or the amazing descent through the Giant Redwoods into Big Basin.
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Well paved road reopened in 2017, climbing sometimes steeply in switchbacks into the Sierra Azul preserve from Hicks Road to the former radar tower on the summit of Mt Umunhum. It's a great workout, but don't be discouraged by the exaggerated 2950 feet elevation change estimate here by Komoot (in biking mode it even calculates 9750 feet): in reality it's closer to 1600 feet of climbing.
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Lexington Hills is known for its natural beauty. A prominent spot is Vasona Lake, part of the 152-acre Vasona Lake County Park, which is ideal for photography, picnicking, and human-powered boating. Another must-see is Mount Umunhum Road (climb), offering spectacular 360-degree views from its summit.
Yes, Vasona Lake County Park is very family-friendly. Within the park, and connected to it via the Los Gatos Creek Trail, is Oak Meadow Park, where kids can enjoy the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and explore a T33 airplane.
For easy walks, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is an excellent choice, offering pleasant paths alongside creeks and meadows. It runs through Vasona Lake County Park. For more options, you can explore easy routes like the Manzanita and Novitiate Loop Trail, which is part of the hiking guide for Lexington Hills.
The Forbes Mill Museum offers a glimpse into Los Gatos' history. Housed in an original 1854 flour mill building, it showcases the region's past, having served various roles from a flour mill to a power plant.
Absolutely. Cyclists can tackle Route 9, a challenging climb with exhilarating descents. For hikers and cyclists seeking a strenuous workout, the paved road to the summit of Mount Umunhum offers steep sections and rewarding views. The Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve also features numerous scenic hiking trails, including more challenging ascents like the Skyline Ridge Trail.
To make the most of your visit, especially for climbs like Mount Umunhum, it's advisable to start early in the day to avoid traffic and the heat. This also allows for clearer views from elevated points.
The natural areas around Lexington Hills, particularly in places like the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, are home to diverse wildlife. Visitors often spot deer, squirrels, and various bird species.
Yes, Lexington Hills is popular for cycling. Beyond the challenging climbs like Route 9 and Mount Umunhum Road, there are many road cycling routes. You can find options like the Eureka Canyon Loop or the Old Santa Cruz Highway loop in the road cycling guide for Lexington Hills.
Vasona Lake County Park offers designated parking facilities. If you ride your bike, you can often avoid vehicle entrance fees.
The Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve is known for its breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and valleys. It offers numerous scenic hiking trails and is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature observation.
Certainly. The region offers a variety of mountain biking trails, including routes like the Bay Area Ridge Trail: Sanborn to Saratoga Gap, or the Collords Peak – Kennedy Trail loop. More options are available in the MTB Trails guide for Lexington Hills.
Vasona Lake, a 57-acre reservoir, is highly regarded for its picturesque setting. It's particularly noted as a great spot for capturing sunrises and scenic landscapes, with its calm waters and surrounding parkland.


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