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Trailhead, Lexington Dam Loop
4.7 ★★★★★ 76 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Gatos, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Trailhead, Lexington Dam Loop'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 area with kid-friendly trails and views.
What runners say about Trailhead, Lexington Dam Loop
“The scenery is stunning, especially near the reservoir, and it’s a great spot for a peaceful escape into nature.”
“The hike offers a mix of shaded paths and open views, with a steady incline that’s both challenging and rewarding.”
I took this hike on 4/9/2020. I started from Los Gatos Creek Trail, Lexington Reservoir, up to Joseph Hill. It is a loop. 8 miles round trip and 984 feet of elevation gain. There’s no parking fee and very limited parking space. Trail head accessible from downtown Los Gatos.
Nice collection of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. There are wide and flat areas, rocky uphill stretches, and the reservoir for on-water activities (we like to SUP). There is paid parking available but also lots of free after parking.
This is a great hike just one step from Downtown Los Gatos. There are two trails that start from this location and another from a neighborhood not far away. On the trail, you get views of the redwood mountains, the freeway below, as well as Lexington Reservoir.
Lots of dog owners leaving behind dog poop. Not only on the trails but also on sidewalk leading to the trail. Watch where you walk. Los Gatos Creek Trail runs parallel to CA17 to the dam on the map, but it will be in lower location so you'll still hear the traffic noise but not too noisy.
Trail conditions & character
“The hike offers a mix of shaded paths and open views, with a steady incline that’s both challenging and rewarding.”
“Didn't get 5 stars because the parking is streetside and fills up early from shoppers.”
“The hike offers a mix of shaded paths and open views, with a steady incline that’s both challenging and rewarding.”
“There are wide and flat areas, rocky uphill stretches, and the reservoir for on-water activities (we like to SUP).”
“Great spots to picnic, take photos, or walk your dog.”
“If choosing to do a loop trail via Jones Trail and Flume Trail, first section of Jones trail involves climbing up for a while.”
“The hike offers a mix of shaded paths and open views, with a steady incline that’s both challenging and rewarding.”
“:) This is wonderful for being so accessible from a small city.”
Plan your run at Trailhead, Lexington Dam Loop
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
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.
Jones Creek Trail Entrance
4.6 ★★★★★ 198 reviews
Trail featuring a reservoir, wildflowers and a dam, plus bike-riding paths.
St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 433 reviews
This 270-acre site welcomes dogs & provides challenging trails for hikers, bikers & equestrians.
Los Gatos Creek Trail - Vasona Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
Los Gatos Creek Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 105 reviews
10-mi. trail popular with hikers & bicyclists leading through multiple parks & downtown San Jose.
Limekiln Trailhead, Los Gatos CA
4.5 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
Steep mountain biking and hiking trail with rocky sections and bay views from the summit.
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.