The 5 Best Hikes For Kids Near Los Gatos

1) Belgatos Park Loop Hike in Los Gatos

This trail begins at a shaded playground. From here, you can do a 2-mile loop hike that is partially shaded and only has 500 feet of elevation gain. The trails go through the hillside with some views of San Jose. You can also connect to other trails if wanting to do a longer hike. Kids love to start at the playground or end at the playground (or both!). There are also picnic tables and restrooms here.

2) Los Gatos Creek Trail through Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is paved and mostly flat, running for about ten miles along the creek from downtown Los Gatos through Vasona Park to Campbell and onto San Jose. The great thing about the trail being so long is that you can pick it up at a number of parks and access points, including Vasona, Oak Meadow, and the Los Gatos Creek County Park, and walk as long as you want (or until you hit a playground!). The trail runs through Oak Meadow and Vasona Park, both of which have nice playgrounds for kids. There are also picnic tables and restrooms. For small children and train enthusiasts, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad also runs through these parks and is a favorite of preschoolers and elementary aged children. Vasona Lake has a variety of ducks and birds, as well as boating in the summer through LGS Recreation.

3) Sanborn County Park Hiking in Saratoga

One of my personal favorite hikes from when my son was in preschool through elementary school is Sanborn County Park in Saratoga, just a short drive from Los Gatos. We have a favorite two-mile loop we like to do on the dirt trails through the redwood forest. There is also a one-mile nature trail. Picnic tables, restrooms, group areas, and a walk-in campground are also available.

4) Henry Cowell State Park Hiking in Scotts Valley

Another favorite redwood hike, especially when my son was little and new to hiking, is Henry Cowell State Park in Scotts Valley. There is a one-mile flat, dirt trail that goes through the old-growth redwood forest that is perfect for young hikers to view the towering redwoods. This dirt trail is also suitable for sturdy strollers. The Mother of the Forest is the oldest tree in the park at almost 2,000 years old. For train lovers, there is a fun steam train that goes through the redwood forest to the summit of Bear Mountain and another train goes to the beach in Santa Cruz. Note: dogs are not allowed in the backcountry or on trails.

5) Rancho San Antonio County Park in Cupertino

Rancho San Antonio has a 160-year-old historical working farm in Silicon Valley. You can hike (or take a stroller) there via a one-mile flat paved trail from the main parking area to Deer Hollow Farm, which has goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs. This hike is a favorite among the pre-school set! Note: dogs are not permitted in this park.

HAPPY TRAILS!

I hope this post inspires you to try out some new hiking locations with your kids! These locations are beautiful and fun, and several of them also make great spots for a family photo session! If you are a fun and laid back family who enjoys adventures in the outdoors and wants a great experience in a beautiful outdoor setting for your next family photo session, I'd love to be your photographer!

Do you live in the South Bay Area, such as Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, or San Jose, or the North Lake Tahoe Area, such as Truckee, California? Are you ready to update your family photos or capture the magic of your newborn's first days? Contact Los Gatos Family & Newborn Photographer Cindy Tucey Photography to schedule your outdoor family photoshoot or your in-home lifestyle newborn photography session today.