St. Joseph's Hill Preserve

Overview

Hours

Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.

Serving as a scenic backdrop to the town of Los Gatos, St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve protects 273-acres of open space land on top of the 1,250-foot hill from which it takes its name. Providing a quick escape from nearby urban areas of the southern peninsula, the historic property begins about a mile from Los Gatos's popular downtown business district. Entered from the north through Los Gatos's Novitiate Park or from the south through Santa Clara County Parks' Lexington Reservoir County Park, the preserve is open for hiking and dog walking, as well as biking and horseback riding on designated trails.

Steep trails wind through grassland, chaparral and oak woodland habitats and offer panoramic views of Santa Clara Valley, Lexington Reservoir and Sierra Azul Preserve. The land still reveals some of its former uses. In 1888, Jesuits founded a school - called a novitiate - and a winery on the hill (observant visitors may notice remnants of abandoned vineyards on the upper slopes). Much of Jones Trail follows the historic alignment of Jones Road, the stage coach route that connected Los Gatos to the small towns of Lexington and Alma, which now lie at the bottom of the Lexington Reservoir.

Midpen and the town of Los Gatos jointly purchased St. Joseph’s Hill Preserve in 1982.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: Designated Trails

Equestrian: Designated Trails

Dogs on Leash: All Trails

No Easy Access

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Not Available

Download Map Trail Closures

Preserve Highlights & Features

Lexington Reservoir from St. Joseph's Hill / photo by Peter Reinold

Lexington Reservoir from St. Joseph's Hill (Peter Reinold)

Vista Point

The steep climb to the top of St. Joseph's Hill is rewarded with panoramic views of Santa Clara Valley, Lexington Reservoir and El Sereno and Sierra Azul Preserves.

Stories from the Preserves

Highway 17 Trail Overcrossing Location Selected

Midpen reached a major milestone in the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project. In May, the…

Newt Passage Project Reach Major Milestone

In October, a major project milestone was reached for the Alma Bridge Road Newt Passage project. The…

Midpen’s Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project Moves Forward

Midpen is entering a critical stage in its Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project. This…

Newt Passage Project Proceeds

Midpen has been working with Santa Clara County, which owns Alma Bridge Road that parallels…

Safely Celebrating the Fourth of July

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Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is working together with project stakeholders, partner…

Know Before You Go

Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife.

YIELD. Bicycles yield to hikers and equestrians. HIkers yield to equestrians.

Share the Trail

Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury.
Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .
Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians.
Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited.
Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200.

Bicyclists: Bicycles are allowed on designated trails only (marked on map). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). E-bikes are not allowed on most Midpen trails. Avoid startling hikers and equestrians by announcing your presence when approaching from behind. For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.

Dogs: 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. Extended leashes must be locked at 6’ when in the presence of other visitors. 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. For more information visit the Dog Access page.

Drones and Model Aircraft: Drones, model airplanes and model rockets are NOT allowed.

Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails (marked on map). Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.

Fires are prohibited in preserves.
Plants & Wildlife: Please leave undisturbed. If you encounter wildlife during a visit, do not approach, startle or feed it. Although wild animals are generally fearful of humans and will run away, some wildlife can be dangerous.
Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Weapons are prohibited in preserves.

Midpen trails and facilities are generally very safe. However, you are entering an environment where there are some naturally occurring hazards. Reasonable caution and common sense should be utilized when venturing into any outdoor environment.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle! Lock your vehicle and store valuables out of sight or take them with you on the trail.
Travel in groups of two or more. Two of more people can assist each other in the event of an accident or emergency.
Dress for the environment. Temperature changes can be occur and you should dress in layers appropriate for the location, time of year and planned activities.
Carry water with you. Drinking water is not available at most Midpen preserves so you should bring your own. Two quarts per person per two hour hike is recommended.
Apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water prior to and during your outdoor activities.
Be aware that cell service is very sporadic on the preserves.

Be Prepared and Aware

Plan ahead before you leave. Check regulations and weather, download a map, pack water and first aid.
Know your limits and take safety precautions.
Rattlesnakes are native to this area and are especially active in warm weather.
Poison oak grows on most preserves: Learn to identify and avoid it in all seasons.
Ticks are present in this area and may carry diseases.
Mountain lions are a natural part of this region’s environment and are occasionally seen.

In Case of Emergency

If you experience an emergency (fire, accident or other immediate threat to life or property), call 911. For nonemergencies, call 650-691-1200.