Overview
Lexington Reservoir is a small reservoir and surrounding open space preserve located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just south of Los Gatos in Santa Clara County, California. It sits at the upper end of Los Gatos Creek and is managed primarily by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, with the adjacent Lexington Reservoir County Park administered by Santa Clara County Parks.
The reservoir was created in the early 1950s with the completion of Limekiln Creek Dam, flooding a small community that once existed in the canyon. Today the area is valued almost entirely for outdoor recreation — hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation — rather than as a residential or commercial destination. It is not a town or city in any conventional sense, but rather an open space area that draws day visitors from the broader South Bay region.
The setting is quintessentially Northern California foothills: chaparral-covered ridges, mixed oak woodland, and a lake surface that varies considerably with seasonal rainfall and drought conditions. In dry years the reservoir can drop to very low levels, noticeably changing the landscape. In wet years the surrounding hills turn vivid green and the lake fills close to capacity, making the area particularly scenic from late winter through spring.
Before You Go
Lexington Reservoir is managed by Santa Clara County Parks and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Access conditions, parking availability, and permitted activities can change seasonally or in response to water management needs. Visitors should check the Santa Clara County Parks website before arriving to confirm current hours, trail closures, and any permit requirements.
Water levels vary widely. In drought years, the reservoir can be largely empty, which significantly affects the scenery and fishing quality. Checking recent visitor reports or local outdoors forums (such as AllTrails) before your trip is worthwhile.
No services on site. There are no restaurants, shops, or lodging at or near the reservoir itself. Pack in all food, water, and supplies. Restrooms are available at the main parking area — verify locally whether they are open and serviced year-round.
- Bring sunscreen and layers; the canyon can be cool in the morning and warm by midday.
- Dogs are permitted on leash on many trails — verify current pet rules on the county parks site.
- Fishing requires a valid California sport fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Verify regulations with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Getting There
By Car
Lexington Reservoir is most easily reached by car. From downtown Los Gatos, head south on Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz and take the Bear Creek Road exit. The main reservoir parking area is a short drive from that junction. From San Jose, the drive is roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic on Highway 17, which can be heavy, especially on weekends.
By Bus or Regional Transit
The reservoir is not directly served by public transit to the trailhead. The nearest transit options are in Los Gatos; from there the remaining distance would require a bicycle or rideshare. Check VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) for current route information if you plan to travel without a car.
Parking
There is a parking area at the county park entrance. A parking fee may apply — verify the current fee and payment method on the Santa Clara County Parks website before visiting, as these details change. The lot can fill quickly on spring and fall weekends; arriving early (before 9 a.m.) is advisable.
Getting Around
The recreation area is compact and best navigated on foot. A network of trails rings the reservoir and connects to the adjacent Limekiln Trail and to the broader Rancho Canada del Oro and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves, which are managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
Mountain bikes are permitted on some trails but not all — check current signage and county parks guidance before bringing a bike. The terrain ranges from flat to moderately steep, making most main trails accessible to reasonably fit hikers without technical experience. Distances around the reservoir are manageable in a half-day.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The Limekiln Trail is the primary route at the reservoir and offers good views of the water and surrounding ridges. Trails connect uphill toward the Priest Rock Trail and further into Sierra Azul Open Space, offering longer options for experienced hikers. Round-trip distances and elevation gain vary — consult AllTrails or the county parks trail map for current route details.
Fishing
The reservoir is stocked periodically and supports populations of bass, catfish, and trout (stocking schedules vary by season and water conditions). A valid California fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Boat fishing is generally not permitted — verify current rules with Santa Clara County Parks and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
The oak woodland and chaparral surrounding the reservoir support a variety of bird species, deer, and occasionally bobcat or fox. Spring wildflower displays can be impressive in years with good winter rainfall. Birders may want to walk the quieter stretches of trail early in the morning.
Photography
The reservoir and surrounding ridgeline offer appealing landscape photography opportunities, particularly in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon in spring when the hills are green and the water level is high.
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage services at Lexington Reservoir. Pack in everything you need, including plenty of water, especially for summer or fall visits when temperatures can rise on exposed trails.
Los Gatos, roughly 10–15 minutes away by car, has a well-developed restaurant and café scene on and around North Santa Cruz Avenue in its downtown area. It is a practical base for a meal before or after visiting the reservoir. San Jose and Campbell are also within easy driving distance for a wider range of dining options.
Practical Information
- Emergency services: In a medical emergency, dial 911. Cell coverage in the canyon can be inconsistent — note this before heading onto longer trails.
- Restrooms: Available at the main parking area; verify current status locally.
- Pets: Dogs generally permitted on leash; confirm current rules with Santa Clara County Parks.
- Fishing license: Required for anglers 16 and older; available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online portal or at licensed vendors.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash. Open fires are prohibited in the preserve.
- Nearest hospital: Multiple hospitals are located in San Jose and Los Gatos — identify the nearest facility before your visit.
Safety
Highway 17, which you will likely use to reach the reservoir, is a busy and sometimes hazardous two-lane highway through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Drive attentively, observe speed limits, and avoid the road during heavy rain or dense fog.
Mountain lions are present in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sightings at the reservoir itself are uncommon, but the broader preserve system is recognized mountain lion habitat. Follow standard precautions: do not hike alone if avoidable, keep children close, and do not run if you encounter one. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes guidance on mountain lion safety.
Poison oak is widespread along the trails. Learn to identify it (clusters of three shiny leaflets) and stay on marked paths. Tick awareness is also important year-round, particularly in spring and fall. Check yourself thoroughly after hiking. Rattlesnakes are occasionally encountered on warm, sunny days — watch where you step and do not approach them.
