The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Lexington Reservoir County Park (Closed Area)
4.5
(153)
2,395
hikers
47
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Lexington Reservoir County Park (Closed Area) traverse diverse landscapes, including redwood forests, chaparral, grasslands, and oak woodlands. The area features trails that offer views of the 338-acre Lexington Reservoir and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains. Hikers can explore paths alongside Los Gatos Creek and through varied habitats. This region provides a mix of terrain suitable for family outings.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Lexington Reservoir County Park (Closed Area)
- The most popular family friendlyβ¦
Last updated: May 30, 2026
4.5
(14)
237
hikers
12.0km
03:40
450m
450m
Hike the moderate 7.4-mile Madrone Knoll Loop through redwood groves and past impressive madrone trees in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Pre
4.5
(12)
77
hikers
5.31km
01:36
180m
180m
Hike the easy 3.3-mile Manzanita and Novitiate Loop Trail for panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley and Lexington Reservoir.
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5.0
(3)
109
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
41
hikers
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.
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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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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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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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Bear Creek Summit sits in an old Redwood Growth Forest at at an altitude of 2β425ft 739m
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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 family-friendly hiking trails are available in Lexington Reservoir County Park?
Lexington Reservoir County Park offers a wide variety of family-friendly hiking options. You'll find over 45 routes, with more than 25 of them rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children.
Are there any easy loop trails suitable for families in the park?
Yes, there are several easy loop trails ideal for families. For a pleasant walk with reservoir views, consider the Manzanita and Novitiate Loop Trail, which is just over 5 km long. Another great option is the Flume Trail loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, offering a 4.4 km easy hike.
What kind of landscapes can we expect to see on family hikes in Lexington Reservoir County Park?
The park boasts diverse natural areas, including redwood forests, chaparral, grasslands, and mixed conifer habitats. Many trails offer stunning views of the 338-acre reservoir and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains. You can also find shaded oak woodlands in the lower parts of the park, providing a welcome respite on warmer days.
Are there trails where we can see old-growth redwood trees?
Yes, you can experience the majesty of ancient trees on trails like the Old Growth Redwood Trees loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park (closed area). This easy 4 km loop provides a wonderful opportunity to walk among these impressive giants.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Lexington Reservoir County Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.58 out of 5 stars from over 150 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic beauty, varied trails, and the peaceful atmosphere, especially the reservoir views and the diverse forest environments.
Is there a trail that follows the Los Gatos Creek?
Yes, the scenic Los Gatos Creek Trail winds alongside Los Gatos Creek, offering a mix of paved paths suitable for walking and biking in addition to hiking. This trail starts at the dam and follows the creek downstream, providing a lovely waterside experience.
Are there any longer, more challenging family-friendly routes for older kids?
For families with older children looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Madrone Knoll Loop is a moderate 12 km hike with significant elevation gain, offering expansive views and a rewarding experience.
What historical elements can be seen in the park?
When water levels in the reservoir are low, parts of old roads and even building foundations from the submerged towns of Lexington and Alma can sometimes become visible, adding a unique historical element to the landscape. The Alma Bridge, built in 1952, is also a point of interest.
What is the best time of year for family hikes in Lexington Reservoir County Park?
The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. However, the diverse habitats, including shaded redwood forests and oak woodlands, make it enjoyable even on warmer days.
Are there facilities like picnic tables or restrooms available?
Yes, the accessible portions of Lexington Reservoir County Park provide facilities such as portable toilets and picnic tables, enhancing the visitor experience for families.
Can we combine a hike with views of the reservoir?
Absolutely! Many trails run alongside Lexington Reservoir, offering picturesque lake views. The Lexington Reservoir β Flume Trail loop is an easy 6.2 km option that provides excellent opportunities to enjoy the reservoir scenery.
Most popular routes in Lexington Reservoir County Park (Closed Area)
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