In brief:
3.2 mile partial loop on a hill overlooking Los Gatos and Lexington Reservoir.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 3.2 mile partial loop hike is easy, with two short steep stretches. Elevation in this small preserve ranges from slightly under 600 to 1253 feet. Total elevation change is about 850 feet.

Exposure:
Almost completely exposed.

Trail traffic:
Moderate.

Trail surfaces:
Dirt fire roads.

Hiking time:
1 1/2 hours.

Season:
Nice any time.

Getting there:

From Interstate 280 in Santa Clara County, exit CA 17 south (exit 5b). Drive south about 10 miles, then exit Bear Creek/Alma Bridge Road. At the stop sign, turn right, cross over 17, then turn left and return to 17, heading north. Stay in the right lane and exit onto Alma Bridge Road. Drive over the dam and park in the paved lot on the right side of the road.

GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude 37°12'0.51"N
Longitude 121°59'13.21"W
(* based on Google Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)

Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, stores, and restaurants in Los Gatos, a few miles north. Pay phone in parking lot. No camping.

Trailhead details:
$6 parking fee via automated ticketing machine in lot. Some people park on the side of the road, but I've been warned that the county issues tickets for that. Portable toilets in parking lot. Maps available under glass at an information signboard, and to take with you at the MROSD signboard on the trail inside the preserve. There is no direct public transportation to this preserve. Although there are designated handicapped parking spots, trails are very poorly suited to wheelchairs.

Rules:
All but one trail are multi-use. Dogs are allowed only on designated trails in this preserve (marked on map) and must be controlled on a 6-foot or less leash. Self-retracting leashes are allowed with a maximum extended length of 25 feet. Visitors may have no more than three dogs per person. Bag dog waste and take it with you. Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access.

The Official Story:
MROSD's St. Joseph's page.
SCCP's Lexington Reservoir page
MROSD emergency contact/ranger dispatch: 650-968-4411.
Lexington Reservoir Park: 408-356-2729

Map Choices:

• Map from MROSD (download pdf)
• Map from SCCP (download pdf)
•Order the Saratoga to Big Basin map from Redwood Hikes.

St. Joseph's in a nutshell -- a printable, text-only guide to the featured hike.




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