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Lexington Hills

Attractions and Places To See around Lexington Hills - Top 20

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.

Best attractions and places to see around Lexington Hills

  • The most popular attractions is Vasona Lake,…

Last updated: July 2, 2026

Route 9

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

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 …

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Mount Umunhum Road (climb)

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

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. …

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Vasona Lake County Park

Highlight • Lake

Los Gatos Creek trail runs through Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Park. Attractions in this pair of parks include the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and a T33 airplane that kids …

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Forbes Mill Museum

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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 …

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Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9.7-mile (15.6 km) pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs through western Santa Clara County in California, from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, California through …

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Tips from the Community

Lisa
June 23, 2025, Vasona Lake County Park

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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Alex
January 10, 2025, Forbes Mill Museum

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular natural attractions in Lexington Hills?

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.

Are there family-friendly activities available in Lexington Hills?

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.

Where can I find easy hiking trails in the area?

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.

What kind of historical sites can I visit in 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.

Are there challenging outdoor activities for experienced adventurers?

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.

What is the best time to visit Lexington Hills attractions?

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.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

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.

Are there opportunities for cycling in Lexington Hills?

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.

Where can I find parking when visiting attractions like Vasona Lake?

Vasona Lake County Park offers designated parking facilities. If you ride your bike, you can often avoid vehicle entrance fees.

What are some unique features of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve?

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.

Can I find mountain biking trails near Lexington Hills?

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.

What makes Vasona Lake a good spot for photography?

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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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Los Altos HillsPalo AltoMountain ViewStanfordLoyolaSanta Cruz MountainsLos AltosSunnyvaleSan JoseSanta ClaraCupertinoSaratogaMilpitasLos GatosMonte SerenoCampbellCambrian ParkBurbankFruitdaleMorgan HillAlum RockEast FoothillsAlmaden Quicksilver County ParkSan MartinSierra Azul Open Space PreserveGilroyCoyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County ParkHenry Coe State ParkMonte Bello Open Space PreserveCalero County ParkJoseph D. Grant County ParkSanborn County ParkSanta Teresa County ParkFremont Older Open Space PreserveSt. Joseph'S Hill Open Space PreserveEd R. Levin County ParkLexington Reservoir County ParkRancho San Antonio Open Space PreserveSierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)Rancho Canada Del Oro Open Space PreserveBear Creek Redwoods Open Space PreserveSaratoga Gap Open Space PreserveStevens Creek County ParkEl Sereno Open Space Preserve

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