Hill of a Good Hike

Located just off Highway 17 in the Los Gatos hills, St. Joseph’s Hill packs a big panorama within this 3.5-mile loop. Start on the Jones Trail for a gentle ascent among enormous and fragrant eucalyptus trees. Less than a mile in, turn left onto the Novitiate Trail. This winding route quickly gains elevation, gifting hikers with views of the surrounding forest and mountains.

Signs for the Hilltop Vista guide you up the Range Trail, Brothers Bypass, and Manzanita Trail, aptly named for the bright red- and copper-barked trees lining the route. After less than half a mile, the trees give way to open skies and the summit. At 1,253 feet, St. Joseph’s Hill has a huge view of the Santa Clara Valley and surrounding mountains, including the impressive Diablo Range to the north.

From here, continue south along the Manzanita Trail until it intersects the Serpentine Trail. This twisty path through manzanita groves includes views of the deep-blue Lexington Reservoir. Make a right onto the Manzanita Trail to complete your loop, and follow the Novitiate and Jones Trails back to the trailhead. (At the Jones Trail intersection, hikers can add an extra mile (round-trip) to their route by heading south to the Lexington Reservoir for an up-close view of the water before returning to the trailhead.)

BONUS WINE: Taste some wine and soak up the views at multiple-award-winning Testarossa Winery, less than a mile from the trailhead. There's an expansive patio for tasting their much lauded California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Jones Creek Trail Entrance is located at the end of Jones Road in Los Gatos. (259 Jones Rd.) Street parking is available in this quiet neighborhood, but please be courteous to residents and avoid parking in private driveways. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Poe Casavant.