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Los Gatos Creek Trail
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Brief Description
The Los Gatos Creek Trail is one of the most extensive cycling paths in the South Bay. Consisting of approximately 14 miles of paved, two-way travel, the Los Gatos Creek Trail travels through some of the best scenery in the region, such as Campbell Park and Vasona Lake. For mountain cyclists, the southern portion of the trail turns to gravel and begins a significant climb from downtown Los Gatos to the summit of the Lexington Dam in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The trail has enjoyment for all riding levels, from a family outing to mountain bikers wanting to improve endurance.
Quick Facts
Trail Photos
Length: The entire trail from Campbell and Lexington Reservoir is about 25 miles round trip. The paved section from Campbell to Forbes Mill is slightly more than 20 miles round trip. The most scenic portion of the trail between Campbell Park and Vasona Lake is about 14 miles round trip.
Hours: 7:00 A.M. to sunset
Trail Conditions: The paved section is mostly level with occasional hills. The gravel section from Forbes Mill to Lexington Reservoir is mostly inclined with significant climbing the last 1/2 mile to the top of the Lexington Dam. All trails are two-way.
Cost: $4 vehicle entrance fee at Vasona Lake and Los Gatos Creek County Park. Free elsewhere.

Click on any photo below for an enlargement.
Photo of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To EnlargePhoto of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To EnlargePhoto of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To Enlarge
Photo of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To EnlargePhoto of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To EnlargePhoto of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To Enlarge
Photo of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To Enlarge
Photo of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To EnlargePhoto of Los Gatos Creek Trail - Click To Enlarge

Location

The Los Gatos Creek trail covers a large area between the city of Campbell and Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most of the trail follows along highway 17 and Los Gatos Creek. The trail passes through many local parks, such as Vasona Lake and Campbell Park.

Vasona Lake is a great place to start on the trail. Parking is usually available and the lake provides great recreation, such as a small children's train, picnicking, lake activities, rest rooms, and more. A $4 entrance fee is collected.

Another good place to start is Campbell Park. The extensive playground provides a good environment for children to play. Parking at Campbell park is free.

There are other good places to start on the trail. Click on the map to the right to see the trail layout and find places to park along the trail.

 

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Map courtesy of Santa Clara County Parks.

Map Of Los Gatos Creek Trail
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Los Gatos Creek Trail Map - Click To View
Things To Consider
  • The maximum speed limit on the trail is 15 MPH, and lower in certain areas.
  • The entire trail is very scenic, especially between Vasona Lake and Campbell Park.
Web Site Links To Check Out
 
Santa Clara County Parks
http://www.parkhere.org
  The official site for the Santa Clara County Park system. Includes information on many local parks to ride, such as Rancho San Antonio, Coyote Creek Parkway, and others. Provides detailed park maps, photos, events, park hours, and more.