The best walks and hikes in Lexington Reservoir County Park

The Priest Rock Trail offers a demanding yet incredibly rewarding hiking experience, taking you through the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. You'll navigate a consistently steep service road, often loose and rocky underfoot, but the effort is well worth it. As you climb, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views, including the Lexington Reservoir below and sweeping vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with the Pacific Ocean visible on clear days.

This moderate 4.2-mile (6.8 km) route involves a significant 1923 feet (586 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 2 hours and 23 minutes. It's a shared trail, so be mindful of mountain bikers and joggers. Plan your visit carefully; the trail can be very hot during summer months and muddy after rain, so bring ample water and appropriate footwear.

Known for its challenging ascent, the Priest Rock Trail is a fantastic workout that connects to other routes like the Kennedy Trail, offering options for extended adventures. It's a defining feature of the local trail network, providing some of the most expansive views in the Bay Area for those willing to tackle the climb.

The Limekiln, Priest Rock and Kennedy Trail offers a rugged and rewarding hiking experience within the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. This moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route features a substantial 2210 feet (674 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You'll traverse steep fire roads, moving from shaded bay laurel forests to exposed chaparral, with panoramic views of the Bay Area and Lexington Reservoir unfolding as you climb.

Planning your visit means preparing for a demanding ascent, especially on the Priest Rock Trail, which has very steep grades. The trails are popular with mountain bikers, so stay alert and share the path. Given the exposed sections, it's wise to carry ample water and consider an early start to avoid the heat, particularly during warmer seasons.

This trail is notable for providing a genuine wilderness feel close to the South Bay, offering challenging loop configurations for those seeking a strenuous day trip. The Priest Rock Trail also holds historical significance as a former service road, and the significant elevation ensures numerous points with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding region.

The Limekiln and Priest Rock Trail Loop offers a diverse hiking experience, transitioning from shaded bay laurel forests along a creek to open chaparral with sweeping views. You'll navigate challenging, steep sections, particularly on the Priest Rock Trail, but the reward is expansive vistas of the Bay Area and surrounding mountains as you gain elevation. It's a moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route with 1076 feet (328 metres) of climbing, typically taking 2 hours and 45 minutes, perfect for those seeking a good workout and stunning scenery.

Planning your visit means being aware that this is a multi-use trail, so you'll share the path with mountain bikers and runners. The exposed sections can get quite hot, so consider an early start or visiting during cooler months to make the most of your hike. While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, arriving early is generally a good strategy for popular trailheads in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.

This loop is a prime example of the varied terrain within Santa Clara County, showcasing both dense woodlands and sun-drenched chaparral. The significant elevation gains make it a popular choice for those looking for a strenuous workout, and the numerous viewpoints offer rewarding panoramic scenes. It's a great option if you're looking for challenging loop hikes in the Limekiln area with diverse ecosystems.

If you're seeking a rewarding hike with diverse scenery and great views, the Manzanita and Novitiate Loop Trail delivers. This route winds through oak woodlands and chaparral, showcasing abundant manzanita plants and vibrant wildflowers in spring. You'll enjoy panoramic vistas of Lexington Reservoir and the surrounding hills, with the Saint Josephs Hill summit offering distant glimpses of the San Francisco Bay on clear days. Expect a mix of terrain, from dirt paths to rocky sections, with some steeper climbs on the Novitiate Trail portion.

This easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop, featuring 585 feet (178 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete. It's a popular choice due to its accessibility from downtown Los Gatos, and parking is usually available at the trailhead. Consider visiting in spring to experience the trail at its most colorful, though it offers a pleasant outing year-round.

St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve is known for its varied ecosystems, providing a habitat for local wildlife such as rabbits, lizards, and various bird species. While enjoying the natural beauty, be aware that mountain lions, bobcats, and rattlesnakes have also been reported in the preserve. The interconnected trail system here, including the Jones Trail and Range Trail, offers options for extending your adventure if you wish.