36 min
Overview
The Jones Trail trailhead is found on Alma Bridge Road where there are two parking areas for Lexington County Park. The trail climbs steeply along an old fire road that is made up of crumbling asphalt. The trail is steep for roughly a tenth of a mile as it climbs away from the Lexington Reservoir, with wildflowers and eucalyptus trees lining the trail. The trail cuts back to the left and climbs less steeply and enters into St. Joseph's Hill Preserve where there is a large informational kiosk with maps of the area. Reaching its high point at .25 miles, the trail begins to descend less steeply into the preserve. Views of Highway 17 and the surrounding hills come into view off to the left before the trail enters the woods. Sounds from the highway can be heard along the entirety of this trail due to its proximity to Highway 17. At roughly half a mile, the Novitiate Trail breaks off to the right and climbs higher into the preserve. <br><br>From this point the trail descends through the woods toward Novitiate Park on the other side of the preserve. A fence on the right hand side of the trail indicates private property immediately adjacent to the trail. More rocks and roots are encountered in this section of the trail. At roughly .9 miles, the Flume Trail breaks off to the left while the Jones Trail continues straight ahead. At 1 mile, the trail descends more steeply to its terminus in Novitiate Park, where the woods open up as it enters the park. An informational kiosk in the park provides information about the preserve and a map with the trails on it.<br><br>From this point, you can turn around and follow the trail back to your car or take the Flume Trail back to where it joins the Jones Trail as an alternative loop.
Trail Stats
2.0 km
53 m
259 m
148 m
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Photos
The trail passes through a gate that prevents horses and mountain bikers from accessing it.
The trail passes through a gate that prevents horses and mountain bikers from accessing it.
Some of the trail suffers from erosion in the winter.
Some of the trail suffers from erosion in the winter.
The trail winds deeper into the preserve.
The trail winds deeper into the preserve.
Eucalyptus trees are found surrounding the trail at this point.
Eucalyptus trees are found surrounding the trail at this point.
The trail gently climbs along the hillside.
The trail gently climbs along the hillside.
Highway 17 headed to Santa Cruz and part of the Lexington Reservoir as seen from the trail.
Highway 17 headed to Santa Cruz and part of the Lexington Reservoir as seen from the trail.
The Novitiate Trail climbs from the Jones Trail higher into the preserve and provides access to the other trails.
The Novitiate Trail climbs from the Jones Trail higher into the preserve and provides access to the other trails.
Trees on the shore of Lexington Reservoir near dusk.
Trees on the shore of Lexington Reservoir near dusk.
A bench sits along the trail allowing you to take a break.
A bench sits along the trail allowing you to take a break.
The trail as it makes its way into Novitiate Park. The Flume Trail can be seen on the left of the tree.
The trail as it makes its way into Novitiate Park. The Flume Trail can be seen on the left of the tree.
The trail as it makes its way back downhill.
The trail as it makes its way back downhill.
The trail climbs steeply from the parking area in Lexington County Park.
The trail climbs steeply from the parking area in Lexington County Park.
The trail as it enters into the woods.
The trail as it enters into the woods.
The trail as it levels off and meets up with the Jones Trail.
The trail as it levels off and meets up with the Jones Trail.