Easy hikes and walks in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve
4.5
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2,284
hikers
76
hikes
Easy hiking trails in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve traverse a diverse landscape of sun-exposed grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. The preserve features steep trails in some sections, with remnants of historic vineyards visible. From the 1,250-foot summit of St. Joseph's Hill, hikers can view the Santa Clara Valley, Lexington Reservoir, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The area offers an accessible urban escape with varied terrain for outdoor activities.
Best easy hiking trails in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve
- The most popular easy hiking route is Saint Josephs Hill Summit — Saint Josephs Hill Open Space Preserve, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 36 minutes to complete. This route leads to the summit, offering views of Lexington Reservoir.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Flume Trail loop from Los Gatos, an easy 3.9 miles (6.3 km) path. This trail follows historic sections and includes shaded woodland segments.
- Local hikers also love the Saint Josephs Hill summit loop from Los Gatos, a 3.2 miles (5.2 km) trail leading through varied terrain towards the summit, often completed in about 1 hour 36 minutes.
- Hiking in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve is defined by grasslands, oak woodlands, and views of the Santa Clara Valley and Lexington Reservoir. The network offers options for different ability levels, including many easy hiking trails.
- The routes in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 120 reviews. More than 2,100 hikers have used komoot to explore St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.5
(12)
78
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5.31km
01:36
180m
180m
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.
5.0
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109
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The Lexington Reservoir – Flume Trail loop offers a delightful escape into nature, providing beautiful views of the reservoir as you traverse a single-track dirt path. This easy 3.9-mile (6.3 km) hike with 499 feet (152 metres) of elevation gain typically takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes, making it a popular choice for a quick, scenic outing. You'll experience shaded oak woodlands and diverse landscapes including redwood forests and chaparral, making it a rewarding experience for most fitness levels.
Parking is available at Lexington Reservoir County Park, but it's wise to arrive early on weekends as it can get busy. The trailhead is often accessed from Novitiate Park at the end of Jones Road, where you'll find an informational kiosk. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash, but be aware that some sections might have audible traffic noise from Highway 17.
This loop is part of a larger network of trails connecting to adjacent Sierra Azul and St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserves, offering more extensive hiking options if you wish to explore further. The Lexington Reservoir itself is the third-largest in Santa Clara County, and during periods of low water, you might even spot remnants of old roads and building foundations from submerged towns.
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14
hikers
5.32km
01:39
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
4.41km
01:22
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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Nestled near Los Gatos, St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve offers picturesque vistas of the town. Spanning 273 acres atop a 1,250-foot hill, this reserve boasts classic wilderness charm. Popular among cyclists, hikers, equestrians, and dog enthusiasts, it's a bustling hub for outdoor activity. Explore its diverse array of trails and discover why it's such a beloved destination.
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St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve serves as a scenic backdrop to the nearby town of Los Gato. It is a reserve that protects 273-acres of open space land on top of the 1,250-foot hill from which it takes its name. It is a classic wilderness area but it is busy with hikers, riders, equestrians and dog walkers. This is for a good reason as there is a wide variety of good trails in the area. When you are riding here, most of the trails are best done on a gravel bike or on decent touring tires.
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Serving as a scenic backdrop to the town of Los Gatos, St. Joseph's Hill is a 1,250-foot hill that looks down Los Gatos Creek valley and down over nearby Lexington Reservoir. It is also the summit of the Manzanita trail, which is a classic ride best done on a gravel bike.
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The summit of Saint Josephs Hill offers views of Los Gatos Creek valley into Silicon Valley and of the Lexington Reservoir. A couple benches and a fence mark the summit of the hill and serve as a good spot for a break while you take in the view.
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Get an elevated view of the 338 acre man-made Lexington Reservoir
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This is the third-largest reservoir in Santa Clara County. It sits at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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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 Campbell, California to Meridian Avenue in San Jose, California alongside Los Gatos Creek. It is paved and mostly level up to Los Gatos, and then becomes a steeper gravel fire road between Los Gatos and Lexington Reservoir. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/LosGatosCreek.aspx http://www.losgatosca.gov/907/Los-Gatos-Creek-Trail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Gatos_Creek_Trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve?
St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 30 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the preserve features 65 hiking routes, catering to various ability levels.
Are there any easy loop trails in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, the preserve features several easy loop trails. A popular option is the Flume Trail loop from Los Gatos, which is 3.9 miles (6.3 km) long and includes shaded woodland segments. Another great choice is the Saint Josephs Hill summit loop from Los Gatos, a 3.2-mile (5.2 km) trail that takes you through varied terrain towards the summit.
What kind of views can I expect on easy hikes in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve?
Even on easy trails, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views. The 1,250-foot summit of St. Joseph's Hill offers sweeping vistas of the Santa Clara Valley, Lexington Reservoir, El Sereno Preserve, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can find 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.
Are easy trails in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve suitable for families with children?
Yes, many easy trails are suitable for families. The preserve's diverse landscape with grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands provides an engaging environment for children. Trails like the Flume Trail loop from Los Gatos offer shaded sections, which can be pleasant for family outings.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Yes, St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve is dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted on designated trails, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This allows you and your canine companion to enjoy the diverse landscapes together.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to look for on easy hikes?
The preserve is rich in natural and historical features. You'll encounter diverse habitats including sun-exposed grasslands and oak woodlands. Remnants of historic vineyards from its past as a Jesuit Novitiate are visible. The Saint Josephs Hill summit is a key landmark, and the Flume Trail follows historic sections of the preserve.
Is there parking available for accessing the easy trails?
Yes, the preserve is accessible from Los Gatos through Novitiate Park, which is about a mile from downtown, or from the south via Santa Clara County Parks' Lexington Reservoir County Park. Both locations typically offer parking options for trail access.
How can I reach St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve using public transport?
St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve offers convenient access for residents of nearby urban areas. It is accessible from Los Gatos, which is served by public transportation options like VTA bus routes. You can connect to the preserve via Novitiate Park from Los Gatos.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 120 reviews. Reviewers often praise the panoramic views from the summit, the varied terrain including shaded woodlands, and the accessibility of the trails for a quick escape into nature.
What is the best time of year to hike the easy trails in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve?
The preserve can be enjoyed year-round. Spring often brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall offers pleasant temperatures. The diverse habitats mean that even in warmer months, some trails, like sections of the Flume Trail, provide welcome shade. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any easy trails that offer views of Lexington Reservoir?
Absolutely. The Saint Josephs Hill Summit — Saint Josephs Hill Open Space Preserve trail, a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) route, leads to the summit and provides excellent views of Lexington Reservoir. Additionally, the Lexington Reservoir Overlook loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park is another easy option specifically designed for reservoir views.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the preserve after an easy hike?
While there are no facilities directly within the preserve, the town of Los Gatos is located just about a mile from Novitiate Park, one of the main access points. Los Gatos offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can relax and refuel after your hike.
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