Colorful autumn has arrived! It’s refreshing to walk along a creek and slow down to observe magical changes of trees, listen to songs of bubbling water, and spot birds and other wildlife that thrive in nature. Our 2023 article “All creek trails (will) lead to Cupertino” recommends many nearby creeks that have trails built along, where people can walk and bike freely, including Stevens Creek, East Channel, Regnart Creek, Calabazas Creek, and San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek. Would you like to try out another wonderful creek trail about 10 miles from Cupertino? Los Gatos Creek Trail runs from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, through Campbell to San Jose, covering about 10 miles of pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Photo Credit: Glenda Chang
Location & Access Info
Thanks to my friend Glenda for recommending this convenient parking location at 57 Miles Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030, tagged as “Los Gatos Little League” near Balzer Field in the map. The trail access point is located just a few steps away. A small playground is attached to this parking lot, where kids hangout and adults do pull-ups and other stretching exercises to warm up or cool down for a trail run.
According to the Los Gatos city’s website, the trail’s major access points at Los Gatos include East Main Street at College Avenue, Miles Avenue, Oak Meadow Park and Vasona County Park. As of the publishing date of this article, the trail guide map links are not working on their website. You can use the map provided at AllTrails to navigate or study the most comprehensive guide posted on Wikipedia, to learn about its routes, access points and connections to other parks and trails.
Our Walk through Art and History
We read all the rules and regulations posted on the sign at the access point, before entering the trail. We walked toward the southwest direction along the creek, then crossed the creek on a wooden bridge, and reached the Forbes Mill Footbridge to cross Highway 17. It’s so lovely to see children’s mural artwork installed on the bridge, thanks to NUMU and LGS Recreation for teaching children making arts and embedding their final art pieces on the bridge for all to see.
Coming down from the Footbridge, we discovered a very old-looking structure. Above the rusty iron door, the sign “Forbes Mill Museum” is completely covered by spider webs–clearly it’s not open to the public now. Walking around the annex, we read the stories about Forbes Flour Mill, which was built in 1854 as a flour mill, then became the History Museum of Los Gatos after being saved from destruction in 1982. It has been closed since 2014 and all its collections have been moved to NUMU, about a 5 minute walk from the Forbes Mill. Under the bridge, we were amazed by this large mural painting that depicts the native American life. Next time, we will surely pay a visit to NUMU to check out their exhibitions.
“On June 10, 1950, the California Centennial Commission commemorated the mill’s contribution to the State’s rich past by designating it as State Historical Landmark number 458.” –National Park Service
Continuing on the trail, we moved on from local history to nature along the creek. The pathway also changed from wide and flat to narrow and rocky. The summary at AllTrails says: “Paved, creek-side path with beautiful fall foliage and good tree coverage are highlights. Challenges include muddy conditions and sections unsuitable for road bikes. Lunch in Los Gatos is recommended.”
Walking up a gentle hill, we exited the East Main Street trail access point that leads directly to Purple Onion Cafe, one of our favorites in Los Gatos downtown. Half a year ago, we came here after hiking at St Joseph’s Hill with our doggie friend Mako. This time, we walked Mako along the creek, looked at the mural artwork, and relaxed outdoors at the cafe. As long as Mako is on the leash, she can follow us on the trail anywhere. If you want a complete guide for dog-friendly hikes, check out this “Ultimate Dog Lover’s Guide” on Los Gatos Creek Trail and many more places.
Let Us Know
Hope you will find time to walk or bike on Los Gatos Creek Trail, which is still being improved by the city. A new prefabricated bridge on the south side of Highway 9 was installed in early November this year, to provide access for bicycles and pedestrians between Highway 9 and the Los Gatos Creek Trail. If you have visited the new bridge, please send us some photos. Did you have fun and feel safe? It’d be great if you can write an article to share your walking or biking experience with our community via Email info@walkbikecuperitno.org. Looking forward to hearing from you!