St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve
St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve
The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve
4.7
(88)
3,327
riders
13
rides
No traffic road cycling routes in St. Joseph'S Hill Open Space Preserve offer a varied landscape for cyclists, characterized by diverse habitats including grassland, chaparral, and oak woodlands. The preserve features significant elevation changes, with trails ascending a 1,250-foot hill. Cyclists can encounter areas of sun-exposed terrain as well as shaded sections with trees like madrone and coast live oak. The presence of serpentine rock formations adds a distinct greenish hue to parts of the trails.
Best no traffic roadβ¦
Last updated: October 13, 2026
10
riders
70.7km
04:02
1,440m
1,440m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
84.5km
04:42
1,430m
1,430m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
41
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
71
riders
14.7km
00:38
70m
70m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
11
riders
39.2km
02:14
880m
890m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The Los Gatos Creek Trail offers a safe paved trail for walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters, and nature lovers. Spanning multiple jurisdictions, it runs from San Jose through Campbell and Los Gatos, managed by agencies from these areas. The Campbell section has some nice shady spots, a gazebo, and an exercise circuit near Campbell Park; the whole trail spans about 10 miles.
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A scenic stop just off the winding roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Lexington Reservoir County Park is a great spot to catch your breath and enjoy the view. The smooth pavement along Alma Bridge Road makes it a popular stretch for cyclists, with rolling terrain and minimal traffic. There's parking, restrooms, and shaded areas if you need a break. From here, you can loop toward Los Gatos or push deeper into the climbs of Highway 17 and Old Santa Cruz Highway.
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Guadalupe Creek flows eastward from San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo County, passing through San Bruno Mountain State and County Park and Brisbane before reaching Brisbane Lagoon, a remnant of San Francisco Bay. The area is home to endangered butterflies and the San Francisco garter snake. The creek can be seen from Hicks Road, and it winds along the side of the road.
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Vasona Reservoir, located on Los Gatos Creek, is surrounded by the 152-acre Vasona Lake County Park. Built in 1935 as one of six original reservoirs approved by voters in 1934. Vasona Reservoir holds 495 acre-feet of water and spans 57 acres. The park offers picnicking, catch-and-release fishing, and human-powered boating. Swimming is not permitted. It's a great spot for photography and sunrises.
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Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company has been crafting coffee since 1982, becoming a beloved gathering spot for locals. They offer local wines, craft beers, and live music events on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7β9 PM. Visitors can enjoy espresso, tea, pastries, and fresh coffee beans to take home. Seating is available indoors, outdoors, and in a designated parklet.
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If you're in Santa Cruz, Regale Vineyards is a must-visit. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it offers more than just great wine β the views are incredible. Whether you're enjoying a tasting on the patio or strolling through the vineyards, youβll be surrounded by lush greenery and towering redwoods. Itβs a peaceful spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the area. Plus, the wines are fantastic, showcasing the best of the region.
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An excellent spot to take a break and enjoy the full breath of Lexington Reservoir. There is a Plaque dedicated to deputy Douglas B. Miller, who was fatally wounded while performing his duties.
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Forbes Mill Museum, housed in a two-story building of the original 1854 flour mill, offers a glimpse into Los Gatos' history. Built by James Alexander Forbes as California's first commercial flour mill, over the years, it served various roles, including a power plant and a PG&E substation. Saved from demolition in 1982, the building now features historical exhibits as part of New Museum Los Gatos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic road cycling routes are available 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.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no traffic road cycling routes?
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.
Are there any easy no traffic road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are 5 easy no traffic road cycling routes available. For a relatively flat and accessible option, consider the Vasona Lake β Camden Ponds loop from Oak Meadow, which covers about 14.7 km with minimal elevation gain.
What are the best viewpoints or scenic spots along the no traffic road cycling routes?
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.
Are there any circular no traffic road cycling routes in the preserve?
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.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve?
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.
Are there any challenging no traffic road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. There are 5 difficult routes for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. The Top of Eureka Canyon β 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.
What natural features can I observe while cycling in the preserve?
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.
Where can I park to access the no traffic road cycling routes?
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.
Are there any historical points of interest along the 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.
What are the rules for cyclists regarding speed and helmets in the preserve?
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.
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