The best walks and hikes in Lexington Reservoir County Park

Yes, dogs are welcome in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times. The area is a popular choice for dog owners, and many of the trails are suitable for hiking with your canine companion.

Yes, there are several parking areas available to access the trails, including lots near the main park entrance and specific trailheads like the one for the Priest Rock Trail. Parking can fill up, especially on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

Absolutely. For a gentler experience, the Flume Trail loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park is a great option. It's a relatively short walk through shaded woodlands, making it suitable for families and casual hikers.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from paved, gentle paths like the Los Gatos Creek Trail to steep, rugged fire roads. Many trails wind through shaded oak woodlands, while others traverse sun-exposed chaparral on the hillsides, offering a mix of conditions and scenery.

There are over 60 designated hiking routes in and around Lexington Reservoir County Park. The trail system is extensive and connects to the neighboring Sierra Azul and St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserves, providing a wide range of options for distance and difficulty.

The park is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful views of the reservoir, the variety of trails available, and the mix of shaded and sunny sections. The interconnectedness with larger preserves is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous hike, the park offers several options with significant elevation gain. A great example is the Sierra Azul Open Space – Limekiln Trail loop, which involves a climb of over 570 meters through rugged terrain, rewarding you with expansive views.

Direct public transport to the main park entrance is limited. The most convenient way to access the trailheads is by car. Some trailheads, like those for the Los Gatos Creek Trail, are closer to the town of Los Gatos, which has better public transit connections.

The park and its surrounding open spaces are home to a variety of wildlife. It's common to see deer, and the reservoir attracts waterfowl like ducks and egrets. Ospreys and even Bald Eagles are sometimes spotted hunting over the water. The adjacent Sierra Azul preserve is also habitat for bobcats and coyotes, though they are less commonly seen.

The park is not known for large, prominent waterfalls. However, after periods of rain, you can find small, rushing cascades along some of the creeks that feed into the reservoir, particularly along sections of the Los Gatos Creek Trail.

The park's trails connect directly to other popular hiking areas.

St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve is a highly-regarded adjacent area offering trails with wonderful views over Los Gatos and the South Bay. It's very popular with local hikers and dog walkers.

For a different experience, Vasona Lake County Park offers more paved and gentle paths around a lake, making it ideal for leisurely walks and family outings.

While hiking is the primary activity, some of the multi-use trails and service roads in and around the park are open to mountain bikers. Trails in the adjacent St. Joseph's Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves are particularly popular with cyclists. Always check trail signage for specific use restrictions.