Visit Date: Jan 15, 2006
This 5 mile hike starts and ends on the Alma Bridge Rd alongside Lexington Reservoir. [GP:priest_rock] You can start at either the Priest Rock Trail entrance or the Limekiln trail entrance. I chose to start at Priest rock, which I quickly learned meant I had a very steep climb that began almost immediately. The topo map and the the Google Earth view show the route taken. The first part of the hike is a steep climb up the mountain to Priest rock, followed by a flatter section on the top of the mountain, and then a descent down the back of the mountain into Limekiln Canyon along the stream and back to the Alma Bridge Road.
The graphic below shows the elevation profile of the hike. Starting at an elevation of approximately 688 ft. near the shore of Lexington Reservoir, you climb to around 1721 ft in about 2 miles. With grades exceeding 25% at some points, this hike is quite a workout.
This image of the Santa Clara rowing club on the shore of Lexington Reservoir was taken from the parking area near the Priest Rock trail head.
I did this hike in early January, which as the advantage of cool days, and the disadvantage of lots of mud. Since it had rained significantly over the past couple of weeks, there were several places where water runoff cut small channels in the trail. For those on mountain bikes – beware of these channels, you can get your tire caught in them if you aren’t paying attention.
Below is a view looking back towards Lexington Reservoir and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Eucalyptus trees abound on the climb.
Another view back towards Lexington Reservoir
Near the top of the climb you will come across this old piece of machinery.
I encountered a dozen or so people riding mountain bikes, a half dozen people with dogs, and half dozen solitary hikers. Be wary of the mountain bikers – many of them don’t stick to the 15mph speed limit as they barrel down the steep trail.
This was the rainy season and a lot of water was running off the mountain.
The junction of the Priest Rock Trail and Limekiln Trail. Ahhhh…finally….it’s pretty much all down hill from here!
This is the view of the Serra Azuls as you make your way down the back of the mountain.
View of the quarry from the Limekiln trail.
As you descend the backside of the hill into Limekiln canyon you will eventually find yourself hiking along the stream.
At this point you are almost back to Alma Bridge road. If yoiu parked near the Priest Rock trail head, then once you exit Limekiln trail you will need to walk back to the entrance of the Priest rock trail. Be careful…the road doesn’t have much space for pedestrians and some of the cars go by quickly.
For more information about Lexington County Park or the Limekiln and Priest Rock trails:
Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Lexington Reservoir County Park
Kevin’s Hiking Page – Priest Rock
GateTrails.com – Sierra Azul