All Midpeninsula Preserves are open to the public free of charge, 365 days a year from dawn until one-half hour after sunset. St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve is one of the distinctive scenic backdrops to Los Gatos, covering 270 acres and providing a quick escape from the nearby urban areas of the southern peninsula. The hike here rewards you with genuine views—from the top of 1,250-foot St. Joseph’s Hill, you can see across Santa Clara Valley to Lexington Reservoir and the Sierra Azul mountain range stretching in the distance.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the Town of Los Gatos jointly purchased the preserve in 1982. A number of regional trails connect through the area. The Los Gatos Creek Trail runs from San Jose directly into Los Gatos, and from there the popular Jones Trail connects Novitiate Park to St. Joseph’s Hill, then continues to Santa Clara County‘s Lexington Reservoir County Park. A portion of the Jones Trail follows the historic alignment of Jones Road, which in the last century was used by stagecoaches and pack teams bringing people, supplies, and equipment over St. Joseph’s Hill and down into Los Gatos.

The preserve offers 4.2 miles of trails ranging from moderate to strenuous, suitable for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Parking is limited, so arriving early helps. Bring your own water—there’s none available at the preserve. Spring is the best season to visit. Dogs must stay on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times and are allowed only in designated preserves or areas as posted. One important note: you’ll need to move dog waste off the trail, not leave it where you found it.