2.7 hr
Overview
This trail starts from the gate on Black Road, where you can park or ride up from Lexington reservoir. The first 1.5mi of trail is fairly flat on a well maintained fireroad, meandering through the forest. At about 1.5mi you'll reach the Ranch Lake reservoir, where you may find some wildlife (deer, rabbits and skunks). After going around the reservoir, you'll see a steep fireroad on the right dropping down to Sanborn Rd. <br><br>Instead, you'll veer left and start climbing up to the new section of the trail along a small creek. The new trail is about 4' wide, with a few wooden bridges and benches under heavy tree cover. The climb is fairly gradual with only a couple of steeper sections. As you climb higher there will be a couple good vista points to enjoy.<br><br>After about 5 miles you'll reach Skyline trail. This trail has been only recently opened to bikes. Keep right on Skyline and you'll reach the parking lot on Skyline Blvd. From there you can ride back down the way you came, or, if you prefer, make a loop on the road by turning left on Skyline and another left on Black Road for a beautiful paved descent to your car. There are some sections without a dividing line - and some sneaky corners - so it can be wise to use a bit of caution.
Trail Stats
8.2 km
363 m
888 m
547 m
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Photos
Gate entrance on Black rd.
Gate entrance on Black rd.
A large rock with a nice bench makes a good rest stop.
A large rock with a nice bench makes a good rest stop.
Rock bridge on John Nicolas Trail. The trail is noted for it's excellence in design and the nice architectural/landscape additions such as this bridge and the benches at various locations such as the viewpoint.
Rock bridge on John Nicolas Trail. The trail is noted for it's excellence in design and the nice architectural/landscape additions such as this bridge and the benches at various locations such as the viewpoint.
Scenic overlook on the John Nicholas Trail.
Scenic overlook on the John Nicholas Trail.
Santa Clara Valley as seen from the John Nicholas Trail
Santa Clara Valley as seen from the John Nicholas Trail
Nice craftsmanship on the bridges at the base of the John Nicholas Trail.
Nice craftsmanship on the bridges at the base of the John Nicholas Trail.
Springtime
Springtime
Last wooden bridge before going up.
Last wooden bridge before going up.
A wonderfully built switchback leading downhill on John Nicholas trail
A wonderfully built switchback leading downhill on John Nicholas trail
An interesting rock with a bench. About 4 miles into the trail from the Black Road entrance.
An interesting rock with a bench. About 4 miles into the trail from the Black Road entrance.
Enjoy great views from by the bench under the big rock on John Nicholas Trail.
Enjoy great views from by the bench under the big rock on John Nicholas Trail.
The views from the John Nicholas Trail are fantastic.
The views from the John Nicholas Trail are fantastic.
Nice tacky trail in the woods- John Nicholas Trail
Nice tacky trail in the woods- John Nicholas Trail