![](/images/cat_icons/public-access.gif) St Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve - Los Gatos, California
Posted by: hotshoe
N 37° 12.910 W 121° 59.120
10S E 590027 N 4119224
290 acre preserve with multi-use trails to the summit of St. Joseph's Hill
Waymark Code: WM5Y9C
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 03/01/2009
Views: 6
Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District includes three counties between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They have protected over 57,000 acres of open space in more than two dozen preserves, of which this is one of the smallest and busiest because it is so close to the town of Los Gatos. MPROSD preserves are open from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, daily. There are no facilities in St. Joseph's Hill Open Space (although there are restrooms in the adjacent county park). There are 4.2 miles of trail in several loops which lead to the top of St Joseph's Hill - about 380 meters elevation. The trails are wide hardpacked dirt roads, except for a few segments of single track such as the Flume Trail. Chaparral and oak woodland provide different environments along the way. A section of this preserve used to be terraced vineyards, which are slowly returning to native vegetation. Coordinates given above are for the trailhead at the end of Jones in Los Gatos.
Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 290 acres
![](/images/spacer.gif) Is there a trail system?: Yes
![](/images/spacer.gif) If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: The terrain is gently sloping with a few steep sections. Every trail intersection is well signed.
![](/images/spacer.gif) What points of interest are there?: 360 degree vista from summit of St. Joseph's Hill
Creeks are seasonal, winter and spring only after rains.
![](/images/spacer.gif) What activities are available?: hiking
horseback riding (no stables, trailer parking at adjacent county park)
mountain biking
![](/images/spacer.gif) List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): mountain lions
rattlesnakes
poison oak
ticks
steep slope alongside Flume Trail
![](/images/spacer.gif) Dogs Allowed?: Yes
![](/images/spacer.gif) Is a permit/fee required?: No
![](/images/spacer.gif) Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]
![](/images/spacer.gif) Hours of accessibility?: Not listed
![](/images/spacer.gif) If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed
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Visit Instructions: Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!
Recent Visits/Logs:
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