The best walks and hikes around Lexington Hills
4.6
(135)
2,226
hikers
65
hikes
Hikes near Lexington Hills California are set within the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a landscape of rolling hills, a large reservoir, and groves of redwood trees. The area's trails navigate through a mix of open space preserves and county parks, with routes featuring significant elevation changes. The terrain consists of both shaded forest paths and exposed trails with views of the surrounding region.
Best hiking trails around Lexington Hills
- The most popular hiking route is the Bear Creek Summit through…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
2
hikers
6.77km
02:23
590m
30m
Hike the Priest Rock Trail, a moderate 4.2-mile route in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve with 1923 feet of elevation gain and panoramic view
7.94km
02:46
670m
40m
Hike the 4.9-mile Limekiln, Priest Rock and Kennedy Trail for a moderate challenge, featuring redwoods, historic kilns, and panoramic Bay Ar
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4.5
(14)
236
hikers
12.0km
03:40
450m
450m
Hike the moderate 7.4-mile Madrone Knoll Loop through redwood groves and past impressive madrone trees in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Pre
4.4
(8)
75
hikers
8.89km
02:45
330m
330m
Hike the moderate 5.5-mile Limekiln and Priest Rock Trail Loop in Lexington Reservoir County Park, gaining 1076 feet with Bay Area views.
4.5
(12)
74
hikers
5.31km
01:36
180m
180m
Hike the easy 3.3-mile Manzanita and Novitiate Loop Trail for panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley and Lexington Reservoir.
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Tips from the Community
Three of the most popular area trails come together here; depending on how ambitious you are, you might return to this juncture several times as you crank through the forested hills.
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This old tree group shows how new Branches are interconnected. You can see how erosion in the valley actually resulted in a braches coming higher out of the trunk
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Ascending just a few hundred feet along Priestrock Trail toward Sierra Azul Open Space reveals expansive vistas overlooking the tranquil, turquoise-blue waters of Lexington Reservoir.
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Serving as a scenic backdrop to the town of Los Gatos, St. Joseph's Hill is a 1,250-foot hill that looks down Los Gatos Creek valley and down over nearby Lexington Reservoir. It is also the summit of the Manzanita trail, which is a classic ride best done on a gravel bike.
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An old growth grove of Redwood Trees, famous to Norther California. This old growth forest has a rich ecosystem and thick canopy keeping the trails nice and shaded.
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Bear Creek Summit sits in an old Redwood Growth Forest at at an altitude of 2 425ft 739m
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Get an elevated view of the 338 acre man-made Lexington Reservoir
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Ride a little (200m) past the intersection of Kennedy/PriestRock and you'll find a nice vantage point to your right: good for a rest and 360*-views.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Lexington Hills located?
Lexington Hills is a region in California, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains near the town of Los Gatos. It's known for its landscape of rolling hills, redwood groves, and the large Lexington Reservoir, offering a mountain atmosphere with convenient access from Silicon Valley.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Yes, the region has several options suitable for families. The Old Growth Redwood Trees loop from Redwood Estates is a great choice. It's a relatively short 2.5-mile (4 km) walk that allows you to experience the area's majestic redwood trees without a strenuous climb.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Many trails in the area are dog-friendly. St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve is a particularly popular spot for hiking with dogs, offering a 270-acre site with a variety of trails. Just be aware that some trails have limited shade, so it's best to bring extra water for your pet.
What are the best trails for seeing redwood trees?
The Lexington Hills area is home to some beautiful redwood groves. For an immersive experience, consider the trails within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. This preserve is highly regarded for its mix of shaded forest paths and open fields, with trails that wind through impressive stands of old-growth redwoods.
Are there any challenging hikes for a good workout?
Definitely. The terrain around Lexington Hills offers significant elevation changes. For a more strenuous outing, the Priest Rock & Limekiln Trails loop is a moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) hike with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, providing a solid workout with views of the reservoir.
What are the main activities at Lexington Reservoir County Park?
Lexington Reservoir County Park is a hub for outdoor recreation. Besides hiking on the trails that trace the shoreline, the park is popular for shoreline fishing and non-gas-powered boating. It also features picnic areas, making it a great spot for a full day outdoors.
What are the views like from St. Joseph's Hill?
The summit of St. Joseph's Hill offers rewarding panoramic views. From the top, you can see the Lexington Reservoir, the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains, and the greater Silicon Valley landscape. The hike to the summit is a local favorite for its scenic payoff.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, parking is available at the main access points, including Lexington Reservoir County Park and Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. These are popular destinations, especially on weekends, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.
Are there any waterfalls on the hiking trails?
While the Lexington Hills area is known more for its reservoir and redwood forests, prominent waterfalls are not a primary feature of the trails here. The hikes focus more on woodland scenery and expansive views from the hilltops.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Lexington Hills?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of terrain, from the shaded redwood groves in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve to the open, sunny paths with great views at St. Joseph's Hill.
How many hiking trails are in the Lexington Hills area?
There are over 50 designated hiking routes to explore around Lexington Hills on komoot. These range from easy, short loops perfect for a quick walk to more challenging moderate trails with significant elevation gain.
What is a good option for a shorter, circular walk?
For a pleasant and relatively easy circular route, the Flume Trail loop from Los Gatos is an excellent choice. It's just under 4 miles (6.3 km) and follows a gentle path, making it a relaxing option that still allows you to enjoy the area's natural scenery.
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