Overview
The Los Gatos Creek Trail is a 9.7-mile paved multi-use path running from Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos north through Campbell and into San Jose, almost entirely flat and stroller-width the whole way. The stretch between Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Lake County Park is the family sweet spot: you get a lake on one side, the creek on the other, a vintage steam-powered railroad, a carousel, a playground, and multiple creek access points for wading, all within a 2–3 mile loop. It's one of the best low-effort, high-payoff outings in the South Bay.
How to Do It
The best entry point for families is Oak Meadow Park at 233 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. Park in the Oak Meadow lot off Blossom Hill Road — it's free and large, though weekend mornings after 9 AM it fills toward the back. Alternatively, park at Vasona Lake County Park (entrance off Garden Hill Drive off University Avenue, Los Gatos) — this lot has a $6 per vehicle fee but puts you directly at the lake and train station. From Oak Meadow, head north along the creek on the paved trail toward Vasona Lake — that's the 1.2-mile segment that passes the railroad, playgrounds, and duck pond. The creek has sandy mini-beaches accessible at several points along the path where kids can wade in safely; spring through early summer gives you the best water level for wading without it being too fast. If you have bikes or balance bikes, the trail is wide enough for side-by-side riding with a stroller and handles the full length comfortably. For a longer out-and-back, continue north from Vasona into Campbell — it stays flat and paved the entire way.
Tips & Tricks
The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is the anchor attraction for kids under 6 — a real vintage steam train that loops through Oak Meadow and Vasona parks. It runs weekends 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM (steam engine April through October; diesel November through March) and costs $4 per person with kids under 3 free. It sells out on sunny weekend afternoons, so ride it first thing when you arrive rather than saving it for the end. The Vasona Lake duck population is enormous and friendly to a fault — bring bread crusts or duck pellets if you want to burn a solid 20 minutes without moving. Creek wading is best accessed from the dirt paths that branch off the main paved trail between Oak Meadow and the Vasona Lake shoreline; look for the worn social trails heading toward the water. Summer weekends on the main trail between 10 AM and noon get crowded with mixed bike-stroller-dog-walker traffic — weekday mornings or post-nap afternoon visits are noticeably calmer. The trail is almost entirely shaded by oaks and willows for the Oak Meadow to Vasona stretch, which makes it viable even on warm South Bay days.
Planning
The trail itself is free and open from 8 AM until sunset year-round. Vasona Lake County Park charges $6 per vehicle for parking; Oak Meadow Park parking is free. Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad tickets are $4 per person (kids under 3 free) and are purchased on-site or online at bjwrr.org. The carousel at Oak Meadow is also $4 per ride. Best months are February through June (creek running well, wildflowers) and September through November (cooler, less crowded than summer). July and August are doable but hot — start before 9 AM. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and shoes the kids can get wet in if you plan to wade. Strollers and bike trailers handle the main paved trail without any issue; the dirt social trails down to the creek are manageable but bumpy. All ages work here, but the sweet spot is 18 months through 7 years.
