Thinking about moving to Los Gatos or just looking for your next weekend routine? The town’s parks and trails make it easy to get outside, whether you want a stroller-friendly walk, a lakeside picnic, or a summit view. If you are planning for kids and a dog, it helps to know where to park, what is paved, and which agency sets the rules. This guide gives you local, practical tips so you can spend more time exploring and less time searching. Let’s dive in.
Know who manages each park
Los Gatos green spaces are managed by different agencies. Rules for dogs, parking, permits, and hours can vary.
- The Town of Los Gatos manages neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and some trail access. For current maps, permits, and park updates, check the Town of Los Gatos Parks.
- Santa Clara County Parks operates Vasona Lake, Oak Meadow’s county areas, Lexington Reservoir, and more. For alerts, parking, and reservations, visit Santa Clara County Parks.
- Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District manages the larger preserves in the foothills, including Sierra Azul and Mount Umunhum. For preserve maps, pet rules, and closures, start with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the Midpen preserves list.
Tip: Before you go, always confirm hours, closures, and dog rules on the managing agency’s site. Conditions can change with weather, events, and fire season.
Top parks and trails near downtown Los Gatos
Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Lake
Oak Meadow Park connects with Vasona Lake County Park to form a central family hub. You will find big lawns, playgrounds, picnic spots, paddle boating, and the historic miniature train and carousel. It is a popular choice for casual weekends and birthday gatherings.
- Access and parking: There are large lots on both sides, and street parking in nearby neighborhoods. Lots can fill on weekends and during events, so arrive early or plan a short walk.
- Family and dogs: Paved paths and flat lawns make this area great for strollers and scooters. Dogs are typically allowed on leash in county and town areas. Check current rules on Santa Clara County Parks and the Town of Los Gatos Parks pages.
Los Gatos Creek Trail
Los Gatos Creek Trail runs through town and north toward Campbell, offering a mostly paved, family-friendly route. It is ideal for strollers, bikes, and relaxed walks with easy access to coffee and snacks downtown.
- Access and parking: Use street parking downtown or park at Vasona and Oak Meadow lots. Expect more cyclists on weekends. Keep right and teach kids to use audible signals when passing.
- Family and dogs: Most in-town segments are paved and suitable for strollers. Dogs must be on leash. For surface details beyond town, confirm on agency maps via Santa Clara County Parks.
Belgatos Park and neighborhood open spaces
Belgatos Park is a quieter neighborhood choice with a playground, picnic tables, and easy loop trails. It is a nice alternative when Vasona is crowded.
- Access and parking: A small lot and nearby street parking serve the park. It is walkable from surrounding neighborhoods.
- Family and dogs: Trails are shorter and more relaxed than the foothill preserves. Dogs are generally on leash in town parks. Check the Town of Los Gatos Parks page for any updates.
Big nature in the foothills
Lexington Reservoir County Park
Lexington Reservoir offers water views, boat access, and trails with moderate climbs. It is popular with hikers and mountain bikers on designated routes.
- Access and parking: The main parking and boat launch sit off Highway 17 near Alma Bridge Road. Weekend crowds are common and capacity limits can occur in winter or during maintenance. Confirm parking and alerts on Santa Clara County Parks.
- Family and dogs: Trails are often steeper and not stroller-friendly. Bring water, sun protection, and layers. Dogs are usually allowed on leash in county parks unless posted otherwise.
Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and Mount Umunhum
Sierra Azul delivers sweeping ridge hikes and panoramic summit views at Mount Umunhum. It is a favorite for longer, more rugged outings.
- Access and parking: Trailheads and lots are limited, and gates may be closed at times. Arrive early on weekends. Check preserve maps, allowed uses, and any closures on the Midpen preserves list.
- Family and dogs: Many routes are steep and not suitable for strollers. Some Midpen preserves allow dogs on leash, while others do not. Verify the dog policy for Sierra Azul before you go.
Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
Looking for more open space and lighter crowds? Harvey Bear Ranch offers rolling trails favored by hikers and equestrians, with staging areas for trailers in select locations.
- Access and parking: Use designated staging lots and follow posted guidance. For current directions, parking info, and trail uses, see Santa Clara County Parks.
- Family and dogs: Routes vary in length and elevation. Choose shorter loops for kids and keep dogs on leash where allowed.
Family planning tips that save time
Strollers and accessibility
- Best paved routes: The Los Gatos Creek Trail through town and the paved loops around Oak Meadow and Vasona are your most reliable stroller options.
- Steeper terrain: Lexington and Sierra Azul have uneven trails and inclines, so they are not stroller-friendly. Plan footwear, water, and snacks.
- Accessibility features: Larger parks often list ADA parking and accessible restrooms on their official pages. Confirm details before you visit.
Restrooms, water, and safety
- Restrooms and fountains: Town and county parks, including Oak Meadow and Vasona, usually provide restrooms and seasonal water fountains. Trailheads in the preserves may not. Bring water and supplies.
- Water safety: Lexington Reservoir is for boating and fishing, not swimming. There are no lifeguards, so supervise children and follow posted signs.
- Wildlife and plants: In the foothills you may encounter ticks, poison oak, rattlesnakes, or even mountain lions. Stay on trail, do a quick tick check after hikes, and teach kids to avoid brushy areas.
Dogs, bikes, and shared trails
- Dogs: Most town and county parks allow leashed dogs. Some Midpen preserves prohibit dogs. Always confirm on agency pages and pack waste bags.
- Bikes and scooters: The Los Gatos Creek Trail is shared-use and can be busy. Keep right, pass with care, and coach kids on trail etiquette.
- Mountain biking: Bikes are permitted only on designated trails. Check allowed uses on Santa Clara County Parks and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District maps before you ride.
Parking, permits, and events
- Parking realities: Downtown trailheads and Vasona lots fill quickly on weekends. Plan for early arrival or a short walk from overflow areas.
- Permits and reservations: Group picnic areas and special events may require reservations or permits. Start with Santa Clara County Parks for county sites and the Town of Los Gatos Parks page for town facilities.
- Events and closures: Festivals, charity runs, storms, and fire season can change access. Always check the managing agency’s alerts before you go.
Plan like a local: easy outing ideas
- Morning with toddlers: Park at Oak Meadow, enjoy the playground and a short stroller loop by the lake, then roll into downtown for lunch. If the lots are full, try a later afternoon visit.
- Family ride day: Start on the Los Gatos Creek Trail in town, bike north on the paved path, and turn around when kids get tired. Stop at a picnic table by Vasona.
- Scenic workout: Head to Lexington for a moderate climb with lake views, or choose a signed route in Sierra Azul for a longer ridge hike. Pack water and layers.
Ready to make Los Gatos home?
Outdoor access is a big part of daily life here. If you want a home that puts you near the parks and trails you love, we can help you weigh commute, lifestyle, and value across neighborhoods. Connect with the Diane Bucher Group for local guidance and to Request Your Personalized Home Valuation.
FAQs
Is the Los Gatos Creek Trail stroller-friendly through town?
- Yes, most in-town segments and the connections around Oak Meadow and Vasona are paved and stroller-friendly. Surfaces vary beyond town, so confirm details on Santa Clara County Parks maps before you go.
Where can kids ride a small train or carousel in Los Gatos?
- The Oak Meadow and Vasona area hosts the popular miniature train and carousel attractions. Check current operating status and hours via Santa Clara County Parks and the Town of Los Gatos for event impacts.
Are dogs allowed off leash in Los Gatos parks and preserves?
- Generally no. Most town and county parks require leashes, and some Midpen preserves do not allow dogs at all. Always verify rules on the managing agency’s page before your visit.
What are good beginner hikes near Los Gatos?
- Try paved or gently rolling loops at Vasona and shorter lakeside routes at Lexington. For bigger views, choose signed, moderate sections in Sierra Azul and check maps on Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
How busy are weekends at Vasona, Oak Meadow, and the Creek Trail?
- Weekend mornings are the busiest. For lighter crowds, aim for weekday mornings or later afternoons, and arrive early to find parking.
Do I need a permit for a group picnic in Los Gatos?
