Lexington Reservoir Overlook – Saint Josephs Hill summit loop from Los Gatos
Lexington Reservoir Overlook – Saint Josephs Hill summit loop from Los Gatos
4.5
(7055)
7,056
hikers
Lexington Reservoir Overlook – Saint Josephs Hill summit loop from Los Gatos
02:52
9.76km
270m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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3.73 km
Lexington Reservoir Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.74 km
Saint Josephs Hill summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
7.57 km
Flume Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
9.56 km
Forbes Mill 🍞 Los Gatos
Highlight • Historical Site
It was built as the Santa Rosa Flour Mill by James Alexander Forbes, born in Scotland in 1805. He came to California in 1831 as British Vice-Consul in San Francisco.
The California Gold Rush inspired James to build the first flour mill, with prices of $50/barrel. In 1850 he purchased 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) on Los Gatos Creek. In 1853 he raised $130,000 for construction from two lenders. The milling machinery arrived from New York around Cape Horn, the mill started grinding flour in 1855. Unfortunately, Forbes’s dam carried water via a flume from 0.5 miles (0.8 km) upstream to two 20-foot (6.1 m) high water wheels which proved to be inefficient, so he had to keep raising the water level, only sufficient during the winter months. Meanwhile new mills and the waning Gold Rush drove flour prices down to $5/barrel.
The mill and land were sold in 1857 to Gustave Touchard, one of Forbes’ creditors. Touchard hired others to run the mill, but they did not have much success with it either.
In 1866, he sold the mill to William H. Rogers, who had worked at a flour mill in Detroit and his own Mountain Flourmills in Placerville. He served as postmaster of Placerville and sheriff of El Dorado County until his purchase of now-named "Clifton Mill". He raised the waterhead to 200 feet (61.0 m), replaced the water wheels with turbine wheels, upgraded machinery, and constructed reservoirs for year-round production of a profitable 100 barrels of flour a day.
In 1887 it became a power plant for the Los Gatos Ice and Power Company, a brewing and bottling company, the Los Gatos Gas Company, and finally the PG&E substation. The original "Santa Rosa" Flour Mill building was torn down in 1916. The mill remained a storehouse for PG&E until after World War II. It was abandoned and finally in 1971 revived as a youth center with live rock music weekends. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_Mill
nps.gov/nr/travel/santaclara/for.htm
Tip by
9.61 km
Forbes Mill Museum
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
9.76 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.71 km
990 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.73 km
3.06 km
2.56 km
333 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (370 m)
Lowest point (120 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Sunday 12 July
31°C
16°C
12 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a rewarding escape with panoramic views near Los Gatos, the Lexington Reservoir Overlook – Saint Josephs Hill summit loop from Los Gatos is a moderate hiking route that delivers. This 6.1-mile (9.8 km) loop involves 894 feet (272 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 51 minutes, making it a solid workout for those with good fitness who want a quick, scenic outing.
What to expect on Lexington Reservoir Overlook – Saint Josephs Hill summit loop from Los Gatos
As you traverse this loop, you'll experience a varied landscape, moving through grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially from the 1,250-foot summit of St. Joseph's Hill, where you can gaze over Los Gatos, the Los Gatos Creek valley, and Silicon Valley. Looking south, the tranquil waters of Lexington Reservoir stretch out before you, backed by the Santa Cruz Mountains ridge. Be prepared for some steep sections, particularly on trails like the Jones Trail, which can have grades up to 30%, so sturdy footwear is a must for the rocky paths.
Planning your visit
This trail is a popular local spot, so arriving early is a good idea, especially on weekends, to secure parking. The area is dog-friendly, making it a great option if you want to bring your canine companion along. While the trail is accessible year-round, spring brings vibrant wildflowers, and clear days offer the best long-range views of Mount Umunhum and the Diablo Range. Remember to carry enough water, especially during warmer months, as some sections are open and sun-exposed.
Trail details
- Distance: 6.1 miles (9.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 894 feet (272 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 51 minutes
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