I have been climbing up Overgrown (AKA Limekiln Trail) pretty much since I started mountain biking (that’s over 30 years, by the way). It is a great, shaded climb on a hot day. Starting at the banks of Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos, California, it carries you up to some great views of the south San Francisco Bay Area. It is likely my most often traveled trail, but that award might go to St. Joe’s. It’s difficult to beat Overgrown’s ease of location and fun.
Overgrown never stops being a challenge; it’s no lazy endeavor. 1200+ vertical feet of climb can take its toll. It was a great workout when I was in my 20’s, and it’s a lot more challenging now that I am in my 50’s.
Priest Rock is the name of the trail that runs along the ridge and back down to Alma Bridge Road. It is an access road used by the Park Service and the Fire Department. The doubletrack starts at the top of the Kennedy Trail ridge (at the destination of the annual Turkey Ride) and contains some steep, fast, and rocky sections. Mostly, it is a mild intermediate-level trail with a bit of gnar and a lot of off-camber thrill.
This loop is an interesting one and never fails to give me satisfaction. It isn’t the greatest trail in the area, but this old standby is far from the worst.
The downhill section begins at 3:34.
