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Los Gatos Creek Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Gatos, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Los Gatos Creek Trail'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.
10-mi. trail popular with hikers & bicyclists leading through multiple parks & downtown San Jose.
What runners say about Los Gatos Creek Trail
“Great views if you go all the way to the alma bridge.”
“Very nice bike trail, moderate difficulty and good for a relaxing drive in greenery and shade.”
It’s a beautiful trail. Very serene and scenic. Goes through the Vasona park and through the Lexington reservoir. Very good trail for hiking, running with restrooms and picnic areas.
Decent place to go for a walk, can be bland, though, in the beginning when there’s just a slope and a few trees. Gets interesting near the middle where the creek is more visible and a rough path going down is seen. Near the end, downtown Los Gatos starts, where you can get a quick snack to refresh yourself.
Great views if you go all the way to the alma bridge. Lots of variations within the trail itself to keep you engaged. It can get crowded and if you are biking please slow down and pass pedestrians only when there is enough space.
Well maintained multiuse pathway. We took it from the Forbes overpass to the little train station after walking St. Joseph's Hill to the reservoir. Lots of trees, perfect on a sunny day.
Trail conditions & character
“There are two very steep grades in the first half mile of the trail, and the unpaved one is nearly impossible to travel on bicycle either direction without dismounting.”
“Great views if you go all the way to the alma bridge.”
“Very nice bike trail, moderate difficulty and good for a relaxing drive in greenery and shade.”
“Upstream to the dam is more difficult and challenging, due to gravel road and steep hill.”
“A little muddy along trail but nothing we couldn't step over or walk around.”
“Walked up to Lexington Reservoir to check out level as compared to 4 or 5 months ago.”
“The trail is accessible 24/7, not sure why somebody put strange working hours.”
Plan your run at Los Gatos Creek Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6:30 PM |
Running trails near Los Gatos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 433 reviews
This 270-acre site welcomes dogs & provides challenging trails for hikers, bikers & equestrians.
Priest Rock Trail trailhead, Los Gatos CA
4.6 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Hiking trail offering scenic views and featuring steep sections and elevation gains, plus a reservoir.
Limekiln Trailhead, Los Gatos CA
4.5 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
Steep mountain biking and hiking trail with rocky sections and bay views from the summit.
Jones Creek Trail Entrance
4.6 ★★★★★ 198 reviews
Trail featuring a reservoir, wildflowers and a dam, plus bike-riding paths.
Trailhead, Lexington Dam Loop
4.7 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
Hiking area with kid-friendly trails and views.
Los Gatos Creek Trail - Vasona Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7 reviews