The best running trails around Campbell

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a delightful escape, offering a varied and scenic jogging experience through riparian habitats and open spaces. You'll find yourself winding along the creek, with sections of paved path giving way to unpaved gravel and dirt, and even charming boardwalks. The route provides ample shade and picturesque views of Vasona Lake, making it a refreshing outing where you might even spot blue herons or turtles.

This easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) route, with its gentle 43 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 26 minutes, making it perfect for a quick jog or a family-friendly run. The trail is well-maintained, featuring mile markers, restrooms, and drinking fountains at various access points. It's also dog-friendly, so your canine companion can join the fun.

Beyond its appeal for joggers, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is a multi-use pathway popular for walking, cycling, and skating. It connects to other local paths like the Jones Trail and Flume Trail, and provides access to St. Joseph's Hill, expanding your options for exploration in the area. This trail is a local favorite for its blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility.

The Los Gatos Creek and Downtown Campbell Loop offers a refreshing blend of natural and urban landscapes, making it a fantastic choice for an easy outing. You'll enjoy a smooth, paved surface as you follow the serene Los Gatos Creek, surrounded by lush greenery, before transitioning into the lively atmosphere of Downtown Campbell. This 2.7-mile (4.3 km) route features a mere 36 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy jog that most can complete in just 26 minutes.

This accessible route is perfect for a quick workout or a leisurely stroll, connecting you directly to the shops and cafes of Downtown Campbell. It's a multi-use path, popular with joggers, cyclists, and walkers alike, and its connection to various parks like Campbell Park means amenities such as restrooms and water fountains are often nearby. The trail is well-maintained and offers a pleasant experience year-round.

Beyond its scenic appeal, the trail holds a touch of history, with portions of the broader Los Gatos Creek Trail following a former South Pacific Coast Railroad line. Despite its urban proximity, you can still catch glimpses of natural habitat and wildlife along the creek. It's a well-rounded, undemanding option for anyone looking for a convenient and enjoyable outdoor activity in the area.

The Los Gatos Creek (east bank) loop from Campbell offers a delightful and easy jogging experience, winding through lush riparian undergrowth alongside the sparkling Los Gatos Creek. You'll encounter a mix of paved asphalt and unpaved dirt and gravel sections, providing a varied surface underfoot. The route passes through open green spaces and near percolation ponds, with ample tree coverage offering shade, making it a visually appealing and peaceful escape from the urban hustle.

This 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop is rated easy, with a minimal 36 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, and can be completed in about 24 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, accessible run. You'll find plentiful access points, with parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains available at nearby park entrances like Oak Meadow Park and Vasona County Park. It's a popular multi-use path, so expect to share the trail with walkers and cyclists.

Historically, a southern portion of the Los Gatos Creek Trail follows a former South Pacific Coast Railroad line, adding a unique element to its character. The trail's versatility allows for creating various loops, with options to run on either side of the creek, offering a choice between paved and unpaved surfaces. It connects communities like Los Gatos, Campbell, and San Jose, providing access to downtown areas for post-jog refreshments.