Home › California › Los Gatos › Vista and Valley View Trailhead
Vista and Valley View Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 55 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Gatos, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Vista and Valley View Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Vista and Valley View Trailhead
“Great local trail in the San Jose/Los Gatos border, hidden away in a beautiful neighborhood, great views of the city and valley.”
“It is suitable for all ages, beautiful viewing and nice loop”
Great local trail in the San Jose/Los Gatos border, hidden away in a beautiful neighborhood, great views of the city and valley. I rated this trail as moderate but if you head up the Vista trail it's a bit more difficult.
Favorite hiking spot. We end up here about once a week and complete a one mile trail that is steep at first but flat at the top. Great views all year round of San Jose
Very nice easy hike in the foothills. Plenty of parking. Good for family with kids and dogs
It was a really short but lovely hike. Very shaded on the Vista side but that also means it can get muddy if it’s just been raining. I started on the Vista side to valley, and it was very steep. The reason I gave it four stars is because on the vista side, there is a fallen tree blocking the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Great local trail in the San Jose/Los Gatos border, hidden away in a beautiful neighborhood, great views of the city and valley.”
“We end up here about once a week and complete a one mile trail that is steep at first but flat at the top.”
“Started from the Vista & Valley Trailhead and went through the Sky Trail for a great view of the valley!”
“25 mile loop here with a 400ft elevation gain when I want to hike, but I’m pressed for time.”
“Very shaded on the Vista side but that also means it can get muddy if it’s just been raining.”
Plan your run at Vista and Valley View Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–6 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.
Heintz Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 229 reviews
A wooded park with hiking & biking trails, attracting a range of wildlife & birds.
Belgatos Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 533 reviews
This 17-acre park features hiking, biking & horseback riding trails, plus a playground & restrooms.
Kennedy Road Sierra Azul Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
Kennedy Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
Los Gatos Creek Trail - Vasona Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 464 reviews
Hilly park with sparse trees, walking paths & open fields, offering a few picnicking locales.