St. Joseph's Hill Open Space

The St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space serves as an iconic backdrop to the city of Los Gatos, and an easy escape into the Great Outdoors. The network of trails in this 270 acre preserve are short and steep, making a great place to burn some of your pup’s abundant energy. The challenge is worth it though, once you reach the top of St. Joseph’s Hill you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Azul Sierra mountain range.

The entrance to the park can be found along Alma Bridge Road, at the Lexington Reservoir County Park. A pay parking lot and restrooms can be found there as well. An alternative is walking or biking with your canine companion from the Los Gatos town center along the 10 mile Los Gatos Creek Trail right into St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space. There are a few different trails and loop options within the park, all starting from the scenic Lexington Reservoir.

From the reservoir you and your doggo will start your adventure on Jones Trail, and then be able to choose from three loops, using the Manzanita Trail, Range Trail or Novitiate Trail. All the trail combinations work out to about 3 miles. The trails climb along hillsides adorned with eucalyptus trees, sagebrush and coast live oak. The Manzanita Trail sweeps uphill to the main feature of the park, the St. Joseph Hill Summit, at an elevation of 1253 feet. On a clear day you’ll even be able to spot Mount Hamilton and the Santa Clara Valley.

Dogs are welcome to join their humans along these trails of course, as long as they stay leashed on their best behavior. Don’t forget the waste bags and plenty of drinking water for you and your parched pup! The heart pumping trails and breathtaking views in St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space are sure thrill you and your adventure dog.