Serenity Trail

Overview

The Serenity Trail provides hikers with the opportunity to get away from the heavily traveled Aquinas Trail and end at a vista point where views of Lexington Reservoir, St. Joseph's Open Space Preserve, and the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed, despite being obscured by power lines that run through the area.<br><br>To access the Serenity Trail, hike up the Aquinas Trail for 1.3 miles. The Serenity Trail climbs to the left and follows a wide dirt-and-gravel road for a short time before it begins its descent as it leaves the ridgeline. This is not a heavily traveled trail, so it is slightly overgrown in places. The trail follows the hillside as it descends toward the vista point. On the right-hand side of the trail, homes along Montevina Road can be seen sitting on the hills outside of the preserve. At 0.35 miles, the trail begins to descend more steeply until it levels out at the 0.75 miles marker. Shortly after the 1 mile mark, the trail climbs uphill slightly to a vista point at the end of the trail.<br><br>At the end of the trail, you'll get a view of the Lexington Reservoir and St. Joseph's Open Space Preserve across CA 17. The view is obscured by power lines that run through the preserve (which contribute to this trail not being as heavily traveled as some of the other trails). <br><br>Since there are no other trails in the area, your only option is to return to the Aquinas Trail by climbing back up the hillside to the ridgeline.

Trail Stats

Photos

Turning around, you get a view of the trail as it makes its way back into the preserve. You can see the Aquinas Trail on the ridge in the distance.

Turning around, you get a view of the trail as it makes its way back into the preserve. You can see the Aquinas Trail on the ridge in the distance.

The Serenity Trail turns to gravel briefly before turning back into dirt and descending from the ridge.

The Serenity Trail turns to gravel briefly before turning back into dirt and descending from the ridge.

From the end of the trail, you can see Lexington Quarry, St. Joseph's Preserve, and the Lexington Reservoir. Power lines make the view less than spectacular.

From the end of the trail, you can see Lexington Quarry, St. Joseph's Preserve, and the Lexington Reservoir. Power lines make the view less than spectacular.

Keep your eyes peeled for flowers blooming along the trail.

Keep your eyes peeled for flowers blooming along the trail.

Views of St. Joseph's Open Space Preserve and Lexington Quarry can be seen from the Serenity Trail.

Views of St. Joseph's Open Space Preserve and Lexington Quarry can be seen from the Serenity Trail.

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