Easy hikes and walks in Felton Station Open Space Preserve (Closed)
4.6
(166)
2,567
hikers
70
hikes
Felton Station Open Space Preserve closed status indicates that the preserve itself is not currently accessible for public use. However, the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains region offers a diverse landscape for easy hiking trails. This area is characterized by shaded redwood and mixed evergreen forests, transitioning into chaparral-covered ridges and oak woodlands. Many routes follow creek-side paths, providing varied scenery and cooler, shaded walks.
Best easy hiking trails in Felton Station Open Space Preserve (Closed)
- The most popular easy hiking route is John Nicholas Trail to Lake Ranch Reservoir, a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete. This path features gentle gradients alongside the reservoir.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Lake Ranch Reservoir – Lake Ranch Reservoir loop from El Sereno, an easy 3.8 miles (6.1 km) path. This loop offers views of the reservoir and surrounding woodlands.
- Local hikers also love the Old Growth Redwood Trees loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park (closed area), a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) trail leading through impressive ancient redwood groves, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking in Felton Station Open Space Preserve (Closed) is defined by redwood forests, oak woodlands, and creek-side paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on accessible nature trails in the Santa Cruz mountains.
- The routes in Felton Station Open Space Preserve (Closed) are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 150 reviews. More than 2,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Felton Station Open Space Preserve (Closed)'s varied terrain.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
3
hikers
2.40km
00:40
40m
60m
The John Nicholas Trail to Lake Ranch Reservoir offers a delightful, shaded walk through a diverse forest, making it one of the popular trails for a quick nature fix in Santa Clara County. You'll wander beneath towering redwoods, firs, and oaks, with the path leading you to the serene Lake Ranch Reservoir, a tranquil spot often frequented by ducks and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and ferns along the way, adding splashes of color to the lush green surroundings.
This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) out-and-back hike involves a minimal 133 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, taking roughly 40 minutes to complete. The trail is wide and smooth, making it very family-friendly and suitable for dog walkers. Parking is available at the Black Road trailhead, but it's a well-loved spot, so consider an early start to beat the crowds, especially if you're visiting on a weekend.
Beyond its natural beauty, the John Nicholas Trail is notable for its excellent construction, featuring well-built footbridges and hand-hewn stone culverts that blend seamlessly with the environment. It's a multi-use trail, so you'll share it with mountain bikers and equestrians, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. For those interested in local history, you might even spot a special tree stump autographed by the California Conservation Corps staff who helped build this beautifully designed route.
4.0
(3)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(12)
78
hikers
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
(4)
118
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
5.32km
01:39
200m
200m
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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This old tree group shows how new Branches are interconnected. You can see how erosion in the valley actually resulted in a braches coming higher out of the trunk
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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 Lake Ranch Reservoir is nice and peaceful to run, walk, hike, or bike along. There is a picnic table on the north side of the pond that you could rest at. Since the water is in a small valley, you may want to bring bug spray in the spring/summer months.
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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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An old growth grove of Redwood Trees, famous to Norther California. This old growth forest has a rich ecosystem and thick canopy keeping the trails nice and shaded.
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Get an elevated view of the 338 acre man-made Lexington Reservoir
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Felton Station Open Space Preserve currently open for hiking?
No, Felton Station Open Space Preserve is currently closed to public access. It is undergoing ecosystem rehabilitation. However, the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains offer numerous easy hiking trails with similar natural characteristics.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes near Felton Station?
The Santa Cruz Mountains region, where Felton Station is located, offers a diverse landscape. You can expect to find majestic shaded redwood and mixed evergreen forests, transitioning to chaparral-covered ridges and oak woodlands. Many paths also follow scenic creek-sides, providing varied views and cooler walks.
Are there any easy loop trails in the area?
Yes, the region features several easy loop trails. A popular option is the Lake Ranch Reservoir – Lake Ranch Reservoir loop from El Sereno, which is about 3.8 miles long and offers views of the reservoir and woodlands. Another is the Manzanita and Novitiate Loop Trail, covering approximately 3.3 miles. For a slightly longer option, consider the Lexington Reservoir – Flume Trail loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park.
Can I find trails with old-growth redwoods nearby?
Absolutely. The Santa Cruz Mountains are renowned for their impressive redwood groves. You can experience ancient redwoods on the Old Growth Redwood Trees loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park (closed area), a 2.5-mile trail that takes you through these magnificent trees.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in this region?
The easy trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the serene redwood forests, the variety of landscapes from woodlands to chaparral, and the well-maintained paths that make for accessible and enjoyable walks.
Are there any easy trails suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the easy trails in the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains are well-suited for families. The John Nicholas Trail to Lake Ranch Reservoir is a gentle 1.5-mile path with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a leisurely family outing alongside the reservoir.
Are dogs allowed on the easy hiking trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Dog policies vary by specific park or preserve within the Santa Cruz Mountains. It's best to check the regulations for the particular trail you plan to visit. Generally, many regional parks allow dogs on leash, but some areas, especially sensitive habitats, may have restrictions.
What is the best season to go hiking on easy trails near Felton?
The Santa Cruz Mountains offer pleasant hiking conditions year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and wildflowers, while fall provides cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer offers shaded redwood forests for relief from the heat, and even winter can be enjoyable with mild temperatures, though some trails might be muddy after rain.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints that are easy to access?
While Felton Station itself is closed, the broader Santa Cruz Mountains region includes trails with rewarding viewpoints. For instance, routes in adjacent parks like El Sereno Open Space Preserve offer trails through chaparral and oak woodland leading to scenic outlooks such as Lexington Vista Point via Aquinas Trail.
How many easy hiking trails are available in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Felton Station?
While Felton Station Open Space Preserve is closed, the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains region offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails. There are over 25 easy routes available for exploration in the immediate vicinity, providing plenty of options for all skill levels.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on these easy trails?
The diverse ecosystems of the Santa Cruz Mountains support a variety of wildlife. On easy trails, you might spot various bird species, deer, squirrels, and other small mammals. Keep an eye out for banana slugs in the redwood forests, and listen for the sounds of nature as you walk through the woodlands.
Is parking available at the trailheads for these easy hikes?
Parking availability varies by trailhead. Most popular trailheads in the Santa Cruz Mountains region, especially those for well-known parks and preserves, typically have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific park websites or trail descriptions for detailed parking information before your visit, especially on busy weekends.
Most popular routes in Felton Station Open Space Preserve (Closed)
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