Start the morning off with a climb to the summit of St. Joseph's Hill, elevation 1,253 feet. Join Docent Naturalists Nancy Weintraub, Catherine Xun, and Nick Yatsko to begin the ascent at the Jones Trailhead across from Lexington Reservoir, once the site of the now-underwater, early 20th century towns of Alma and Lexington. You’ll follow the Jones Trail to the Novitiate Trail, learning about the colorful history behind these trail names along the way. At top, you’ll soak in the 360-degree views of Los Gatos, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the neighboring Sierra Azul Preserve. You’ll descend on the Manzanita and Serpentine trails while learning about California’s official state rock and about one of the most iconic shrubs of the chaparral ecosystem. (Note: If no parking is available in the main area on the east side of Alma Bridge Road, there is paid parking available across the road at the county lot.)
From southbound Highway 17, take the Bear Creek Road exit, cross over the highway, and go 0.4 miles north on Highway 17 to Alma Bridge Road. Follow Alma Bridge Rd. over the top of the dam. Continue beyond the dam as the road jogs to the right. Turn left into the unpaved roadside parking area at the Jones Trailhead. If no parking is available, there is paid parking available across the road at Lexington Reservoir.