The best cycling routes in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve
4.7
(61)
1,467
riders
90
rides
Touring cycling in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve offers diverse landscapes with significant elevation changes and scenic natural areas. The preserve features routes that traverse hills, alongside the Lexington Reservoir, and through creek valleys. Cyclists can expect a mix of challenging ascents and more gentle paths, often passing through wooded sections, sun-exposed grasslands, and chaparral. Panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley, Lexington Reservoir, and the Santa Cruz Mountains are available from higher elevations.
Best touring cycling routes in…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.4
(15)
181
riders
26.9km
01:35
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
25
riders
83.6km
05:40
1,410m
1,410m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
riders
71.4km
04:45
1,110m
1,110m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
59.4km
04:19
1,230m
1,230m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
Vasona Reservoir, located on Los Gatos Creek, is surrounded by the 152-acre Vasona Lake County Park. Built in 1935 as one of six original reservoirs approved by voters in 1934. Vasona Reservoir holds 495 acre-feet of water and spans 57 acres. The park offers picnicking, catch-and-release fishing, and human-powered boating. Swimming is not permitted. It's a great spot for photography and sunrises.
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An excellent spot to take a break and enjoy the full breath of Lexington Reservoir. There is a Plaque dedicated to deputy Douglas B. Miller, who was fatally wounded while performing his duties.
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From the top of the dam you get splendid views out across Lexington Reservoir. To the north you overlook the winding end of the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which connects to the Jones Trail across from the restroom just up the road. The dam itself was constructed in 1952 and stands at nearly 200 feet tall.
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Felton Covered Bridge Park is a small city park and home to the Felton Covered Bridge, which is the tallest covered bridge in the United States. The bridge is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the park offers a playground, sand volleyball court, picnic area, and access to the San Lorenzo River.
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Capitola Village is a quaint town in Santa Cruz County. The downtown area offers 90 shops, restaurants, and lodging right on the beach. It's also the oldest beach resort on the West Coast.
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A picturesque seaside town, features colorful Venetian cottages, shops, and restaurants overlooking Soquel Creek and the Pacific. The pastel cottages, part hotel and part private homes, create a charming scene. Capitola Beach offers ideal surfing for beginners, with rentals, lessons, and surfwear available at the Capitola Beach Company.
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Willow Glen area of the Los Gatos Creek Trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve?
There are nearly 100 touring cycling routes in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve, offering a wide range of experiences from easy creek-side rides to challenging hill climbs.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve offers several easy routes. A great option for a relaxed outing is the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which is 16.7 miles (26.9 km) long and features a relatively flat path along the creek.
What are the most challenging touring cycling routes in the preserve?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Capitola Village – Mountain Charlie Road loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park offer significant elevation gain over 85.1 km. Another difficult option is the Pringle Grove loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, covering 71.4 km with over 1100 meters of ascent.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. A popular difficult circular route is the Lexington Reservoir – St. Joseph's Hill loop from Los Gatos, which is 18.5 miles (29.8 km) and offers scenic views around the reservoir. Another challenging loop is the Kennedy Road loop from Los Gatos.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the touring cycling routes?
The preserve offers diverse scenery, including significant elevation changes, views of the Lexington Reservoir, and paths through creek valleys, wooded sections, and open spaces. You'll find a mix of natural landscapes throughout your ride.
What are some scenic viewpoints or attractions along the touring cycling routes?
Along the routes, you can discover several scenic spots. Highlights include the Saint Josephs Hill summit, offering panoramic views, and specific viewpoints like the View of Los Gatos and Lexington Reservoir from St. Joseph's Hill and the View of Silicon Valley from St. Joseph's Hill.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from gentle creek trails to challenging hill climbs, and the beautiful natural surroundings including reservoir-side paths and wooded sections.
Are there specific trails for mountain biking or are these routes suitable for touring bikes?
The routes highlighted are specifically curated for touring cycling, meaning they are generally suitable for touring bikes. While the preserve has varied terrain, these routes are selected for their touring bike compatibility, ranging from paved paths to well-maintained gravel sections.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve?
St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve is generally enjoyable for touring cycling year-round, though conditions can vary. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summers can be warm, so early morning rides are recommended, while winters are typically mild but may have occasional wet conditions.
Are there any facilities or places to eat near the touring cycling routes?
While the preserve itself is a natural area, the nearby town of Los Gatos, which serves as a common starting point for many routes, offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and other amenities for cyclists before or after their ride.
What is the typical duration for touring cycling routes in the preserve?
Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. Easy routes like the Los Gatos Creek Trail can take around 1 hour 35 minutes, while more challenging and longer routes, such as the Capitola Village – Mountain Charlie Road loop, can take over 5 hours to complete.
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