Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
El Sombroso–Priest Rock Trail, 3 sights
11.5 mi · ▲ 2,757 ft · 5 hr 13 min
El Sombroso–Priest Rock Trail, 3 sights is an 11.5-mile out-and-back in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve near Los Gatos, CA. The route reaches El Sombroso at the turnaround, 5.7 miles in. It climbs 2,757 ft, with sections as steep as 22% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 55/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
El Sombroso–Priest Rock Trail, 3 sights
11.5 mi · ▲ 2,757 ft · 5 hr 13 min
Elevation 754–2,982 ft
Out & Back · Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
Trailhead: Priest Rock Trail · 37.19649, -121.98406
Weather Aug 4: sunrise 6:16 AM · sunset 8:14 PM
Bikes allowed on the whole route · Horses allowed on the whole route · No dogs on part of this route · Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Priest Rock Trail, heading E.
- 3.8 miSharp right onto Kennedy Trail, heading SE.
- 1.4 miTurn left onto Woods Trail, heading E.
- 0.5 miReach El Sombroso, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.5 miTurn right onto Kennedy Trail, heading N.
- 1.4 miSharp left onto Priest Rock Trail, heading NW.
- 3.8 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 4.0 mi in (~157 min). Leave by 5:17 PM for the 8:14 PM sunset. Back at your car by 10:10 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Bikes allowed on the whole route
- Horses allowed on the whole route
- No dogs on part of this route
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
Other ways to reach this destination
More from Priest Rock Trail Trailhead
- Limekiln Trail & Priest Rock Trail 10.6 mi · ▲ 2,657 ft
Get outside more
A wild hike near Los Gatos, emailed to you once a week.
Hikes near Los Gatos, California