Los Gatos
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Description: El Sereno should be thought of as a training workout or a climbing challenge, since it is a continuous sustained climb that averages over 10% grade with much steeper sections, but the trail itself has a low technical rating and is 100% paved or dirt road. The Preserve offers 8 miles of trails with continuous nice views, a consequence of there being no shade cover. And since there is virtually no parking at any entrance, climbing to the park through city streets is part of the ride. Our two recommended routes both contain an initial very steep four miles of paved road out of downtown Los Gatos. The 1000 footer continues on after the paved road to the first trail intersection, the Big Ride continues climbing beyond that to the top of the ridge. Besides the single out and back trail, there are two dead end spur trails that could add another 3.5 miles, for those that need more distance. El Sereno Open Space Preserve also contains a second section off Overlook Drive (Not Overlook Rd.!) that contains just a 1 mile trail at this time, which should be avoided. There are no restrooms in the park.
In the Wet Season: All trails are open, and are passable.
Directions: The recommended rides start in Downtown Los Gatos and access El Sereno via the Sheldon Rd. entrance. Park in the public lots between University and Santa Cruz Ave. A link to the parking location in Google Maps is here. Other entrances to the park are at the end of Montevina Rd, which is accessed via the Black Rd exit of State Route 17, and at the end of Bohlman Rd., which is accessed from Saratoga. Both Montevina and Bohlman are very steep climbs and allow entrance to El Sereno at the highest elevation. Montevina has very limited parking and Bohlman has none.