Easy hikes and walks in Lexington Reservoir County Park

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.

The Lexington Reservoir – Flume Trail loop offers a delightful escape into nature, providing beautiful views of the reservoir as you traverse a single-track dirt path. This easy 3.9-mile (6.3 km) hike with 499 feet (152 metres) of elevation gain typically takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes, making it a popular choice for a quick, scenic outing. You'll experience shaded oak woodlands and diverse landscapes including redwood forests and chaparral, making it a rewarding experience for most fitness levels.

Parking is available at Lexington Reservoir County Park, but it's wise to arrive early on weekends as it can get busy. The trailhead is often accessed from Novitiate Park at the end of Jones Road, where you'll find an informational kiosk. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash, but be aware that some sections might have audible traffic noise from Highway 17.

This loop is part of a larger network of trails connecting to adjacent Sierra Azul and St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserves, offering more extensive hiking options if you wish to explore further. The Lexington Reservoir itself is the third-largest in Santa Clara County, and during periods of low water, you might even spot remnants of old roads and building foundations from submerged towns.

Step into a world of ancient giants on the Old Growth Redwood Trees loop, a serene and easily accessible trail that winds through a rich ecosystem of towering redwoods. The path is well-shaded by the dense canopy, offering a cool and pleasant journey where you can observe the unique interconnected branches and natural erosion patterns of these magnificent trees. This loop provides a peaceful escape into nature, immersing you in the quiet grandeur of the forest.

This easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) hiking route, with a manageable 546 feet (166 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. The trail is part of Lexington Reservoir County Park, which operates year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset, making it a convenient option for a quick nature fix. Parking is available at the park, and the shaded conditions make it enjoyable even on warmer days.

Beyond the redwoods, Lexington Reservoir County Park is a diverse natural habitat, featuring chaparral, grasslands, and mixed conifer areas surrounding a 338-acre reservoir. The park is also part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and sits near a section of the San Andreas Fault. Historically, low water levels in the reservoir can sometimes reveal remnants of the submerged towns of Lexington and Alma, adding a fascinating historical layer to your visit.