Its one thing to have the power out for a day, its another thing to get one evacuation warning after another, after another, after another and even if youre OK, you dont know whether or not your neighbors are OK, said Flaherty. Fish were plentiful for the first settlers of Los Gatos Creek. This is a popular trail for road biking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. At Lexington Reservoir, follow the steep and rocky 1.5-mile climb up to the 1,250-foot summit of St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve, where there are dramatic views of the creek and valley.. There are always plenty of sweet dogs to be seen playing and socializing in this tiny, fenced-in patch of land. If you're okay with riding the 1.5-mile gravel portion of Los Gatos Creek Trail that is south of Los Gatos, this can be connected to an easy and fairly pleasant 8-mile road loop around Lexington Reservoir. The reservoir and park are accessible from State Highway 17. There are multiple free public parking lots around downtown Los Gatos, though they fill up quickly on nice weekends. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9.7-mile (15.6 km) pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs through western Santa Clara County in California, from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, California through Campbell, California to Meridian Avenue in San Jose, California alongside Los Gatos Creek. Walking along the creek and just knowing the ground is so saturated, just the danger of mudslides, the danger of trees falling, is a little bit more of a concern than the reservoir itself, said Wendy Lucas of San Jose. Enjoy this 10.1-mile point-to-point trail near Los Gatos, California. Vasona Lake, and Lexington Reservoir are perfect for a little outdoor R&R. Learn More About Los Gatos . The only other thing along Los Gatos Creek Trail that stands out in my mind is the tiny Los Gatos Creek Dog Park. It's just an easy ride option that's removed from heavy traffic and that offers some "lake views". This 9.7 mile trail stretches from Meridian Ave in San Jose to Vasona Lake County Park in Campbell to the Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos. pic.twitter.com/lDv79H7KT2, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. A bridge across highway 17 connects to the trail at the south end of Los Gatos Creek County Park. 57 . The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9.7-mile (15.6 km) pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs through western Santa Clara County in California, from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, California through Campbell, California to Meridian Avenue in San Jose, California alongside Los Gatos Creek. Its good to see this. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Priest Rock, Limekiln and Kennedy Trail Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Los Gatos, California. Santa Clara County, CA housing market in December 2022 saw over 181 listings sold above listed price, more than 69 sold at listed price . There is also a gravel clearing next to the road on the other end of Lexington Dam, but I'm not certain if that one is kosher for public parking. At the Lexington. Lexington Reservoir 17770 Alma Bridge Rd. In Willow Glen Los Gatos Creek is joined by Dry Creek (left) then, after crossing Interstate 280, El Camino Real and The Alameda, it joins the Guadalupe River in the Guadalupe River Park. You might need some patience as you cover this portion of the ride on a crowded weekend. Los Gatos Creek Trail 4.5 260 #4 of 144 things to do in San Jose Hiking Trails Visit website Write a review About Paved trail great for running: cuts through parks, ponds, and downtown Los Gatos. There's only a single notable burst of climbing along this stretch of the ride (beyond the gentle ascent of the trail on average). It's great to just hang out with your pole in the water regardless of catching fish or not. The trail is heavily used. A historical and cultural hike awaits you at the Almaden Quicksilver Country Park. . There are at least a couple of good mountain biking trails that connect to this route, but you'd be better off planning to ride those on their own, since any rider who'd be interested in the ease of this ride would find those too challenging, and any rider who'd think of those side trips as the main attraction wouldn't see any interest in the rest of this reservoir loop. Access Points look at this. There aren't many distractions along this trail. Remodeled in 2020. The water district doesnt it expect it to reach the flood warning stage, but are keeping an eye out. It is 3.8 miles and makes for a great way to get exercise and relax in nature. Pretty much everything in the immediate vicinity is a fire road, except, perhaps, for some parts of Limekiln Trail that are technical enough and occassionally narrowed so much by vegetation that it could pass for "singletrack". This is an easy road ride that traces the outline of Lexington Reservoir near Los Gatos. 5 minutes away), downtown Los Gatos, El Sereno Open Space Preserve, Aquinas Trailhead, St Josephs Hill Preserve, Lexington Reservoir County Park, Los Gatos Creek Trail, Testarossa Winery, Black Ridge Vineyards, Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, and much more. There is a limited amount of parking available in Novitiate Park and at the end of Jones Road. If you'd like to bring along a rider who's a beginner or is out of shape to one of your weekend rides, this is a good option to suggest. The only "real climb" along the ride is as you approach the farthest point of the reservoir. It's true that you'll be doing more uphill pedaling through these in the return half of the ride than you do in the first half. You'll find a few of them sandwiched between N. Santa Cruz Avenue and University Avenue near Main Street, for instance. Currently, only fishing and boating are allowed. During the rainstorms on Jan. 15, the Lexington Reservoir near Los Gatos, California, rose to over 100 percent. It was a nice cool day with lots of people out! One pioneer wrote that "speckled trout were so plentiful, they could be caught with your hands. The Los Gatos Daily Times on Aug. 31, 1954, reported that "bulldozers have virtually completed clearing and leveling the bed of Los Gatos Creek, and preparations are readied for laying the concrete culvert.". Distance: 3.8 miles; Effort: Moderate; Parking: Small parking lot on Maple Pl - While this is conveniently in front of the trailhead, it is often full; Parking spaces on Main St - Plenty of spaces in front of Los Gatos . 01/17/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/17/2023 22:18. Next, there is an access point immediately behind the Old Town shopping area. As the trail reaches downtown Los Gatos, the first access point is at the Main Street bridge. Convicted Sex Offender ID'd as Suspect in 1994 Cold Case Kidnapping in San Jose, SF Residents Give City Officials Earful About Increase in Crime, Decrease in Quality of Life, Michigan Family Gets Life in Prison for Killing Family Dollar Guard Over Face Mask Dispute, Here Are the Key Deadlines for the 2023 Tax Filing Season, South Bay Reservoirs Reach Their Limits After Weeks of Rain. Lexington reservoir went from 40% full to 100% in ten days and now that much flow is spilling over. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. That's not your only option. Other residents looked forward to a few days of drying out. Drive: 11 min: 7.5 mi: 3 br, 2 bath House - 654 Vasona Ave, Los G . Los Gatos Creek Trail 1970 Willow St (at Leigh Ave) San Jose, CA 95125 United States Get directions Likely open (See when people check in) You might also like Almaden Quicksilver County Park Trail Almaden Quicksilver County Park 8.8 "One of the best spots in the South Bay for a day hike! It's an ideal venue for a suburban family picnic on a sunny weekend. An 11-mile biking and walking parkway leading from Lexington Reservoir to downtown San Jose, the Los Gatos Creek Trail serves as an important green transportation corridor for the Valley. The Los Gatos Creek Trail runs along the river from Lexington Reservoir to the Guadalupe River near downtown San Jose and is popular among local hikers and bicyclists. I am so glad I switched to this 1x10 system instead of holding on to my old 3x8 system. The ride initially takes the Los Gatos Creek Trail up toward Lexington Dam. The portion of the trail south of Los Gatos has a gravel surface, though. It is 3.8 miles and makes for a great way to get exercise and relax in nature. The trail next runs through Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Park. While simultaneously dealing with the demands of growing cities, the water district finally managed to stop further sinking by the 1980s. One final option that I'm aware of is to follow Montevina Road west of Highway 17 from Lexington Dam up to El Sereno Open Space, though that option takes you over a lot more climbing on pavement before you reach any dirt trail. An official website of the United States government. Looking for the best hiking in Los Gatos? Its just awesome, said Harvey Christensen of Los Gatos. This goes beyond a prudish compliance with the official bicycle speed limit (which is 15 MPH). The Los Gatos Creek Trail offers recreational opportunities for walkers, jogger, bicyclists, skaters, non-motorized scooters, bladers and nature lovers. You can hear the creek as you hike, and can even go down to it. Let it soak in. This trail is heavily used. 01/17/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/17/2023 17:38 . this is lexington reservoir spillway. The creek then flows through the Los Gatos Canyon and through the town of Los Gatos and Vasona Reservoir, then northeasterly through Campbell and San Jose where it meets the Guadalupe River.[5]. The wet weather also caused problems with downed trees. [7][8] The valley's aquifers were also in danger of being ruined by saltwater infiltration. Its next named tributaries are Hooker Gulch Creek, Moody Gulch and Hendrys Creek, also joining from the north, before Los Gatos Creek enters Lexington Reservoir. All rights reserved. With metered parking, watch out for time limits. From Santa Clara Valley, take the Bear Creek Road exit and proceed over the overpass and re-enter Highway 17 north. [17] Cooper lived in Mountain View, California from October to December 1855 and collected most of his specimens on Saratoga Creek (then "Quito Creek"). In Los Gatos, Vasona Reservoir is another reservoir along the creek located in Vasona Park, one of the most popular parks in the Santa Clara County parks system. It's easy to navigate, and you can venture here by foot or by bike. A former South Pacific Coast Railroad line follows the southern section, which carried passengers in the late 1800s from Santa Cruz to Alameda. [1] Attractions in this park include fishing, a casting pond, and a dog park. The trail includes nice shady spots, a gazebo and an exercise circuit when you go towards Campbell Park. in 45 reviews, It goes through several parks, Vasona Lake and goes between mountains and up to Lexington Reservoir. in 27 reviews, I heard that they opened a new section of the trail near downtown San Jose, but I haven't checked it out yet. in 33 reviews, The fishing is okay. You'll also find a few non-motorized scooters along the way. Actually, that one has most of its spaces reserved for trailers, though you'll still find a handful of parking spaces for cars. High winds also made driving difficult. lantos tunnel. Aquinas Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Los Gatos, California. The Santa Clara Valley Water District reservoir system has now raised water tables sufficiently that lower Los Gatos Creek once again supports steelhead trout. And, with the exception of a couple of short connecting trails in St. Joseph's Hill, none of these will satiate any craving for singletrack. @danncianca. [15] Historical evidence of beaver in the area includes reference by Captain John Sutter who around 1840 recorded that 1,500 beaver pelts were sold "at a trifling value" by the Indians to Mission San Jos, the latter only 25 miles from the town of Los Gatos. Another is to take Limekiln Trail or Priest Rock Trail off the eastern shore of the reservoir into Sierra Azul Open Space to explore the many miles of fire roads in that park. Vista Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Los Gatos, California. This doesn't add much to the ride but (to me) is better than riding on pavement. & . maybe ever. This trail winds its way along the Los Gatos Creek and ends at the Lexington Reservoir before looping back to the start. There are no life more. North of Lark Avenue, one can also see a structure resembling a fountain, where imported water from other reservoirs is also added to Los Gatos Creek for recharge. World Heritage Encyclopedia, the aggregation of the largest online encyclopedias available, and the most definitive collection ever assembled. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS This particular ride only covers the portion of the trail north of Los Gatos, which is the paved portion. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. In the 1920s, people discovered that Santa Clara Valley was sinking because of groundwater pumping. The one exception that stands out is the Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos. The trails are operated by the County of Santa Clara Park Department, the City of Campbell, the Town of Los Gatos and the City of San Jose. The fishing regulatory body for . officials are trying to release all of this water out of their swollen reservoirs faster than the rain is filling them up. So, anyone with ambitions of "getting in shape for the next crit" or doing interval training should consider other options. There are multiple free public parking lots around downtown Los Gatos, though they fill up quickly on nice weekends. No hidden gems are to be found along this ride, and there is no special bonus for mountain bikers. Northward the trail heads towards Forbes Mill, the footbridge, Old Town, Vasona and on to San Jose. [2] The trail follows the east side of the lake and goes up and over the dam. There are options to run on either side of the creek in parts (west side paved, east side unpaved). You can hear the creek as you hike, and can even go down to it. the drivers maneuver around the boulders. With metered parking, watch out for time limits. [12][13] This is significant because the California Coast Chinook salmon Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) was considered federally threatened September 16, 1999 (64 FR 50394) and reaffirmed June 28, 2005 (70 FR 37160), although the Russian River is normally considered the southernmost limit for this ESU. Colleges & Universities Distance; Colleges & Universities Distance; . Los Gatos Creek Trail also continues south from the starting point of this ride. This home sits on a 2.10 acre lot. There are mile markers. The ground is saturated causing trees fall and Lexington Reservoir is spilling over resulting in high creek levels and flooded trails in certain areas. Los Gatos Creek Trail to Jones Trail Loop is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Los Gatos, California. Another short climb that will nonetheless make itself felt is the portion of Los Gatos Creek Trail that climbs in almost a straight shot diagonally across the "face" of the Lexington Dam. However, what bikes there are often are townies or have training wheels installed. But once you are on the "main street" (as designated by the sign at the beginning of the trail), the trail is mostly flat. It then flows northwesterly to Lake Elsman, a reservoir owned by the San Jose Water Company,[4] then on to Holy City and Chemeketa Park, then northward into the Lexington Reservoir. There used to be a "walk your bikes" sign for this stretch in the downhill direction, which disappeared a while ago and hasn't been replaced since. This is a flat ride on a paved trail that is easy enough to be undertaken by the entire family (at least in portions) and long enough to constitute a reasonable option as a light workout for experienced riders. The reason for doing the loop in this direction is a weak one: It will put you on the side of the road closer to the water and may, therefore, let you catch views of the lake a little more easily; and it also might mean that it will come more naturally to catch the brief singletrack portion along the highway (see below) since you'll already be on the side of the road where the singletrack begins and ends. [1] The Jones and Flume trail connect with Novitiate Park and the St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve. As a Caltrans magazine from the era describes it: "Included in this project is a relocation of Los Gatos Creek for a distance of 6,000 feet, requiring a concrete line channel." The City of San Jose suggests that trail users connect from the main trail to the northernmost segment by exiting the main trail at Willow, approximately 0.8mi (1.3km) short of the terminus on Meridian, then proceeding north/east along Willow to Lonus via Glen Eyrie and Lincoln.[4]. Opening this bridge will allow connection to the northern section of the Los Gatos Creek Trail without requiring travel on busy Lincoln Avenue. Stay in the right lane. 408.356.2729 Lexington Reservoir County Park is a scenic 960-acre park and reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Santa Clara County. Starting from the south and progressing north: There are two trails between Lexington Reservoir and downtown Los Gatos. Although some have asserted that the Chinook salmon in the Guadalupe River watershed (which includes Los Gatos Creek) are strays from Central Valley hatcheries, a 1992-1994 genetic study of 29 fish showed that some have haplotypes not found in Central Valley wild or hatchery salmon, but found in the Russian River. San Jose's elevation subsided 13 feet from 1910 to 1970s, correlated with a 250 feet decline in the underground water table. Education. and. 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