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Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Gatos, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 9.7 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve'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.
Douglas fir forest featuring grassy hills & trails for hiking, cycling & horseback riding.
What runners say about Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
“Ample shade and beautiful views made the hike much comfortable even in sunny weather.”
good starting point to hike down into single-track forest trails. big basin. castle rock. portola. butano. beware: cars are ticketed after sunset!
Fantastic place for those who like to mountain bike. There's the right amount of elevation, with nice views to keep you entertained. For bikers, it pays to not get too overconfident, especially during the first two miles of trails (starting from the Saratoga Gap trail on Hwy 9).
Very pretty view. I would highly recommend biking up to see it from south bay as the grind of riding up the hill makes the view even more sweet as you have worked hard for it. It is also accesible by car for those who don't wish to cycle.
Ample shade and beautiful views made the hike much comfortable even in sunny weather. I was surprised though as I didn't see many people hiking there.
Trail conditions & character
“Ample shade and beautiful views made the hike much comfortable even in sunny weather.”
“I would highly recommend biking up to see it from south bay as the grind of riding up the hill makes the view even more sweet as you have worked hard for it.”
“Its always great to ride in this area, parking gets full during the weekends at 4 corners.”
Plan your run at Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance9.7 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteopenspace.org
- Phone(650) 691-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 126 reviews
Nature preserve open before sunrise to after sunset offering hiking and mountain biking trails.
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
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Lush, hilly park with multiple hiking & biking opportunities along with long-distance views.
Castle Rock State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,837 reviews
Park offering 34 miles of hiking & horseback riding trails among redwoods & other regional trees.
Picchetti Ranch
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,107 reviews
308-acre park offering 3.7 miles of trails amid orchards & woodlands, a winery & weekly activities.
