Vasona Lake County Park
4.7(6.2K)google
4.4(458)yelp
LakeFamilyScenic LookoutOutdoorFreeParking Available
Overview
Vasona Lake County Park is a spectacularly scenic, deeply cherished 150-acre natural recreational preserve situated in the beautiful mountain town of Los Gatos, just south of San Jose. The magnificent park centers around the sparkling waters of Vasona Lake and adjacent Lexington Reservoir, where visitors can rent paddleboats and kayaks during warm summer weekends. A major beloved historical highlight for multi-generational families is the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, an authentic historic miniature steam train that chugs playfully through the trees.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeSaturday mornings before 9 AM in spring or early summer, or December evenings for the famous 'Fantasy of Lights' drive-thru festival.
Getting ThereLocated at 333 Blossom Hill Rd. Vehicle entry triggers a mandatory Santa Clara County gate fee ($6/car, card or mobile scan only).
Travel Tips
- Parking vehicle toll hack: To bypass the $6 automotive gate fee, park for free along University Avenue curbs outside the boundary. Then walk inside complimentary via the pedestrian connections linked directly to the Los Gatos Creek Trail.
- Train seasonality trap: The famous Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad steam train closes on most weekdays during winter and spring. It operates primarily on summer daily tracks or weekend limits. Verify operations on their independent railway site.
- December Holiday Light Lockout: During the famous drive-thru 'Fantasy of Lights' in December, the entire park forces a strict public closure at 4 PM daily. Drive-thru tickets sell out weeks prior online; zero tickets are sold at the gate.
Reviews
Positive
- Abundant wildlife and on-site kayak/paddleboard rentals. The historic Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad steam train is a massive hit for kids.
Heads up
- Severe weekend vehicle congestion with scarce parking spaces. Heavy populations of wild geese leave continuous droppings across lawn zones.