The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve

There are 14 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve. These routes offer a variety of experiences, with 5 easy, 4 moderate, and 5 difficult options to choose from.

The routes in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve feature diverse terrain, ranging from sun-exposed chaparral to shaded oak woodlands. While some trails like the Jones Trail are described as 'old, crumbly once-paved roads' with challenging uphill climbs, many sections are suitable for road bikes, especially those with decent touring tires. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, leading to rewarding panoramic views.

Yes, there are 5 easy no traffic road cycling routes available. For a relatively flat and accessible option, consider the Vasona Lake – Camden Ponds loop from Oak Meadow, which covers about 14.7 km with minimal elevation gain.

Many routes lead to breathtaking panoramic views. From the summit of St. Joseph's Hill, you can enjoy vistas of the Santa Clara Valley, Lexington Reservoir, and the distant Santa Cruz Mountains. Specific highlights include the View of Los Gatos and Lexington Reservoir from St. Joseph's Hill and the View of Silicon Valley from St. Joseph's Hill. The Saint Josephs Hill summit itself is a major draw.

Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes are designed as loops. An example is the Roadbike loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, which is a moderate 27.5 km ride with around 650 meters of elevation gain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 68 ratings. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, rewarding views, and the opportunity to experience diverse natural landscapes away from traffic.

Absolutely. There are 5 difficult routes for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. The Top of Eureka Canyon – Old Santa Cruz Highway loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, for instance, is a demanding 70.6 km route with over 1400 meters of elevation gain.

The preserve is rich in natural beauty. You'll cycle through grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats, encountering plants like sagebrush, manzanita, and fragrant bay laurel and eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye out for areas with serpentine rock formations, which give parts of the trails a distinctive greenish hue.

The preserve is accessible from several points. You can typically find parking at Novitiate Park in Los Gatos or Lexington Reservoir County Park, which serve as starting points for many routes.

Yes, the preserve has historical significance. You can find traces of old Jesuit vineyards and parts of the Jones Trail follow an historic road once used by stagecoaches, offering a glimpse into the area's past while you ride.

Cyclists are required to wear helmets on trails. A speed limit of 15 mph is enforced, which reduces to 5 mph when passing other trail users. E-bikes are generally not permitted on most Midpen trails within the preserve.