10 Best Trails and Hikes in Los Gatos | AllTrails

Best Trails in Los Gatos

36,143 Reviews
Looking for the best hiking trails in Los Gatos? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 56 scenic trails in the Los Gatos area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore one of 6 easy hiking trails in Los Gatos or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Los Gatos that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
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Map of trails in Los Gatos, California

Top trails (56)

  1. Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop
    Moderate4.7(4778)
    #1 - Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop
    Length: 4.9 miEst. 2h 29m
    The trail is a true gem. One of the most appealing aspects of this trail is the balance it strikes between shade and sun. While certain stretches provide a cool, dappled respite from the sun's rays, others open up to the brilliant sunshine, bathing hikers in its warm embrace. This dynamic setting ensures the journey remains engaging and diverse. For those contemplating a weekend hike, this trail is an excellent choice. Its length is ideal - not too taxing, yet long enough to feel...
  2. Goat Rock Overlook, Emily Smith Observation Point and Saratoga Gap Trail
    Moderate4.7(2478)
    #2 - Goat Rock Overlook, Emily Smith Observation Point and Saratoga Gap Trail
    Length: 4.0 miEst. 2h 3m
    This loop has some awesome overlooks of the Santa Cruz Mountains and even passes a waterfall overlook. The forest is scattered with large boulders that are fun to scramble on. There are several trail junctions, so downloading the map ahead of time is recommended. The parking area is just off Skyline Boulevard.
  3. Alma and Redwood Springs Loop
    Moderate4.7(4806)
    #3 - Alma and Redwood Springs Loop
    Length: 5.3 miEst. 2h 38m
    The Alma (the Spanish word for soul) Trail is located west of Bear Creek Road and is accessible using the new pedestrian crossing. This trail traverses into densely wooded fir and redwood forests, through bay and oak woodlands, eventually linking to the Madrone Knoll Trail. Be prepared: These trails climb from the parking area located at 1,000 feet in elevation to Madrone Knoll, the highest point, at 2,400 feet.
  4. Los Gatos Creek to Jones Loop
    Moderate4.5(2465)
    #4 - Los Gatos Creek to Jones Loop
    Length: 3.9 miEst. 1h 40m
    A great West Valley paved path/trail for biking, mountain biking, jogging, and birding. A good starting point from Campbell Park the paved trail extends through Vasona Park, Downtown Los Gatos, and on to Lexington Reservoir and more challenging dirt road mountain bike climbs. Los Gatos Creek and ponds along the way offer good birding opportunities. The paved path makes a 2 mile loop from Campbell park to a pedestrian bridge at San Thomas Expressway. The east side of the loop has a 1 mile...
  5. Castle Rock, Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trail Loop
    Hard4.5(1602)
    #5 - Castle Rock, Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trail Loop
    Length: 10.9 mi
    Castle Rock, Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trail is an awe inducing trek with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Located in Castle Rock State Park, just off highway 35, this route has it all! It provides amazing views of Rock Falls, crosses the San Lorenzo River, passes by the notorious climbing spot at Goat Rock and is conveniently located close to San Jose. Starting off on the Castle Rock Trail, you will quickly meet up with the east end of the Ridge Trail and round out with Saratoga Gap Trail....
  6. Lexington Reservoir Trail
    Moderate4.4(2295)
    #6 - Lexington Reservoir Trail
    Length: 4.8 miEst. 2h 37m
    This loop trail explores the west side of the Lexington Reservoir and is a great option for the entire family. This trail is multi-use, and can be steep in sections. Take the Limekiln trail to the junction of Priest Rock Trail. Return via the Priest Rock trail. Walk along the shore line to return. The loop can be done in either direction.
  7. Los Gatos Creek Trail to Saint Josephs Hill
    Moderate4.5(1177)
    #7 - Los Gatos Creek Trail to Saint Josephs Hill
    Length: 6.1 miEst. 2h 47m
  8. Jones, Manzanita, Range, Novitiate Trail Loop
    Moderate4.5(1708)
    #8 - Jones, Manzanita, Range, Novitiate Trail Loop
    Length: 3.7 miEst. 1h 52m
  9. Manzanita Trail via Jones Trail
    Moderate4.5(908)
    #9 - Manzanita Trail via Jones Trail
    Length: 3.2 miEst. 1h 37m
  10. Belgatos Park Loop
    Moderate4.4(1124)
    #10 - Belgatos Park Loop
    Length: 2.0 miEst. 1h 4m
Showing results 1 - 10 of 56

Helpful reviews of trails in Los Gatos

6 days ago
Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop
Trail specs are spot on. A lot of the trail has some shade cover but it can still get hot. Some light scrambling at a few points in the trail.
Had an amazing time in Castle Rock State Park. We went on a Saturday and came across a free guided tour by a park ranger. They do it on weekends only. The one we took was at 10:30am. We went to the falls and then to Goat rock. He gave us a lot of information about the plants and trees that grow there. From Goat rock, we went our own way to finish the loop. Trails are in good condition, well marked. Beautiful park, had a great time.
Alma and Redwood Springs Loop
Limited parking lot, better to arrive before noon. The first part is gentle switchbacks but mostly uphill. Beautiful waterfalls and wildflowers. Only a few muddy spots so recommend hiking shoes.
17 days ago
Los Gatos Creek to Jones Loop
Take the route counter-clockwise and get the sunniest and road-noisiest section out of the way right away. Very scenic once you get to the top of the Jones Trail loop. Eucalyptus fragrance on the whole back half. Fantastic.
3 months ago
This hike is incredible! The views are amazing, the variety of the foliage, the solitude on SuperBowl Sunday!! There were a few fallen tries that created quite the obstacle course but hardly any mud. Couldn’t have had a better day!
3 months ago
Lexington Reservoir Trail
Great hike, loop doesnt end at the place it starts

Frequently asked trail questions about Los Gatos

What are the different types of hiking trails in Los Gatos?

There are plenty of things to do on Los Gatos's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 49 hiking trails, 40 running trails, 26 walking trails, and more.

What is the longest trail in Los Gatos?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Los Gatos is Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail: Castle Rock Route. This trail is estimated to be 27.1 mi long.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Los Gatos?

Los Gatos: With an ascent of 4,924 ft, Castle Rock, Big Basin, and Portola Redwoods State Park Loop has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Priest Rock, Limekiln and Kennedy Trail Loop with 3,530 ft of elevation gain.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in Los Gatos?

The most popular and difficult trail in Los Gatos is Castle Rock, Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trail Loop with a 4.5-star rating from 1,602 reviews.

Are there camping trails available in Los Gatos?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Los Gatos and the most popular is Limekiln to Kennedy to Priest Rock Loop with an average 4.4 star rating from 69 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Los Gatos?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 40 running trails in Los Gatos and the most popular is Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,778 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Los Gatos?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 28 biking trails in Los Gatos and the most popular is Lexington Reservoir Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 2,295 community reviews.