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Limekiln Trailhead, Los Gatos CA
4.5 ★★★★★ 77 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Gatos, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Limekiln Trailhead, Los Gatos CA's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Steep mountain biking and hiking trail with rocky sections and bay views from the summit.
What runners say about Limekiln Trailhead, Los Gatos CA
“The first section where it’s quite wooded, is nice and shady as well, but once you get past mile 2, it’s mostly fire roads and brush.”
I would rate it easy-moderate level of difficulty, with a steep inclination in the beginning and eases down in the middle. It does gain a little in the middle segments too, but the descent should be pretty quick. It's a 5.2 mile trail loop with good views at the top and covered with 40% shade.
Trail head is right on Alma Bridge road close to Lexington Reservoir. There are few parking spots near the trail head. Trail is wide good for hiking as well as mountain biking. Looks like folks do horse riding here also. There is lot of climbing in this trial, you will also see some creeks on the way.
Excellent trail classified as moderate since half of the trail is steep climb by rest of half 2.5 miles is slope and easy to come down. Be prepared to climb pretty quickly the steep part at the beginning of the trail. You can climb over 1150 ft in 2m4 miles distance. Plenty of shade in between sections.
Great trail if you want a bit of a challenge. Consistent incline until you reach the summit.
Trail conditions & character
“I would rate it easy-moderate level of difficulty, with a steep inclination in the beginning and eases down in the middle.”
“View of mountains if you start clockwise but view of the reservoir in counter clockwise direction.”
“The first section where it’s quite wooded, is nice and shady as well, but once you get past mile 2, it’s mostly fire roads and brush.”
“This eventually joins Priest Rock Trial, so that you can do a loop and get back to Alma Bridge Rd.”
“Trailhead loops from Alma Bridge Rd but you will have to walk on the road for a little to return to your starting point.”
“Lovely trail, good challenge with the uphill and rocky terrain.”
“I would rate it easy-moderate level of difficulty, with a steep inclination in the beginning and eases down in the middle.”
Plan your run at Limekiln Trailhead, Los Gatos CA
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.santaclaracounty.gov
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