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Priest Rock Trail trailhead, Los Gatos CA
4.6 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Gatos, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Priest Rock Trail 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.
Hiking trail offering scenic views and featuring steep sections and elevation gains, plus a reservoir.
What runners say about Priest Rock Trail trailhead, Los Gatos CA
“It's a nice steep trail, with a beautiful scenery along the way.”
It's a nice steep trail, with a beautiful scenery along the way. The trail goes for a long time and will likely be a loop you can't do in a day (it's like 6 miles), but it's fun to go and then turn around.
Love this trail! Very similar to Mission Peak in the difficulty level but feels much more isolated. Not much parking (you park roadside) but the trail isn’t crowded either so I have always found a spot. First part of the trail is shaded but things open up as you climb. Good scenic spots after climbing 1000-2000 feet.
Trail head is right on Alma Bridge road close to Lexington Reservoir. There are few parking spots near the trail head. Trail is kind of steep, so there is lot of climbing in this trial Most of the trail is covered with trees, makes it convenient to hike. You can enjoy the Lexington reservoir views from this trail
Up and back trail. You can make it all the way to Kennedy but you have to plan a tide on the other side. Steep in the beginning, but becomes more gradual.
Trail conditions & character
“The views during early morning are amazing, especially with fog and sunrise.”
“Trail is kind of steep, so there is lot of climbing in this trial Most of the trail is covered with trees, makes it convenient to hike.”
“Yes, there are some parking spots along the road where the trail starts, but not too many spaces are available.”
“The trail goes for a long time and will likely be a loop you can't do in a day (it's like 6 miles), but it's fun to go and then turn around.”
Plan your run at Priest Rock Trail trailhead, Los Gatos CA
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteparks.santaclaracounty.gov
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 |
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