For our third hiking escapade in the beautiful Los Gatos area, following our treks on St. Joseph’s Hill and the Los Gatos Creek Trail, my lovely group of Moms In Prayer friends and I decided to explore the scenic Jones trails, aiming to connect with the breathtaking vistas of St. Joseph’s Hill and the expansive Lexington Reservoir County Park.
Trailhead Bliss
Our journey kicked off conveniently close to the heart of Los Gatos, right off the ever-tempting Purple Onion Cafe. At Downtown Los Gatos, parking can get busy, so plan your arrival accordingly. We parked our cars along the street, walked about half a mile along College Ave. then Jones Rd. to reach the Jones Creek Trail entrance as shown in this map. This easy access makes it a breeze to transition from town vibes to trail tranquility. As we left the downtown buzz behind, we entered Novitiate Park and enjoyed the gentle climb at the beginning of the Jones Trail. Note, we hiked with a puppy friend, if you will do the same, please be sure to keep your dog under control with a 6 foot leash and take trash bags with you to clean up pet waste.
Up We Go! Conquering the Jones Trails
Once we branched onto the Jones trails, the real fun began – a gradual but satisfying climb through a lovely, shaded canopy. The trails here are well-maintained, offering a good workout without feeling overly challenging. Perfect for catching up with friends and soaking in the natural beauty around us. Keep your eyes peeled for local flora and fauna, and watch out for cyclists passing by.
Note, E-bikes are not allowed here (Read the park regulations and guidelines before you go).
Reaching for the Views
A highlight of this route is how seamlessly it connects to St. Joseph’s Hill County Park. Having been wowed by the views there before, we were excited to experience them again from this new perspective.
As we gained elevation, the trees started to thin, revealing those incredible panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills – and the first tantalizing glimpses of Lexington Reservoir in the distance! St. Joseph’s Hill itself offers plenty of spots to pause, snap some photos (mandatory, of course!), and simply breathe in the fresh air.
Lexington Reservoir and its History
We continued our trek, eventually linking up with the trails of Lexington Reservoir County Park. The landscape here shifts, bringing you closer to the vast, shimmering water. The views across the reservoir are truly stunning, reflecting the sky and the rolling hills.
Here’s a bit of history that adds depth to this beautiful place: Underneath the tranquil surface of Lexington Reservoir lie the remnants of two old logging towns, Lexington and Alma. These once-bustling communities, complete with hotels and sawmills, were submerged in the 1950s when the dam was built. Imagine – a whole hidden history beneath those serene waters!
“In 1952, Alma and Lexington were abandoned to make way for the new Lexington Reservoir. The dam and reservoir were built to provide more water to residents in Santa Clara and San José. There were about twelve families at Lexington and about fifty families in Alma who had to move. By December, the water was rising behind the dam.”
The Sweet Return: Brunch and Happy Memories
After taking in the beauty of Lexington Reservoir, we looped back by hopping onto the familiar Los Gatos Creek Trail. This flat, easy stretch was the perfect way to cool down and chat about our adventure as we made our way back towards downtown. The thought of a well-deserved brunch gathering was definitely a great motivator for the final leg!
Our journey through the Jones trails to St. Joseph’s Hill and Lexington Reservoir was a fantastic experience. It offers a great blend of moderate exercise, stunning scenery, and a touch of local history, all within easy reach of downtown Los Gatos. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a refreshing outdoor adventure, this route is a winner. The loop trail is about 3.9 miles long with 521 ft elevation gain, and we completed it within 2 hours. It’s definitely earned its spot as one of our favorite Los Gatos hikes!
Planning Your Own Adventure? Here are a few tips:
- Footwear is key: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially for the inclines.
- Hydration hero: Bring plenty of water, for yourself and for your dog!
- Sun smart: Pack sunscreen and a hat, as some sections are exposed.
- Navigate with ease: While generally well-marked, a map or hiking app is always a good idea.
- Parking pointers: Here is the map for the public parking at Los Gatos Downtown.
Have you hiked the Jones trails or Lexington Reservoir? Share your experiences via info@walkbikecupertino.org or in the comments below! 👇