Villages Hiking Club, San Jose, CA
Our mission is to promote an active and healthy lifestyle through hiking.
On April 30, John Petrin lead a group of 14 Ramblers on a shaded round trip hike from Oak Meadows Park, along Los Gatos Creek, to downtown Los Gatos. Upon completion of the almost 4-mile hike, 12 members of the group drove over to the Garrett Station Restaurant for a delicious lunch.Â
18 adventurous Villagers set out to San Jose History Park and the Japanese Friendship Garden for the Wednesday Rambler hike. More time was spent sightseeing the grounds at History Park and briefly watching glass-blowing at the Bay Area Glass Institute next door than actually getting our miles in. However, the group was also treated to an informative tour of the Friendship Garden by (Villager) docent Kathy Tanaka. A delicious lunch followed at Araujo’s Mexican Restaurant on Senter Road near Capitol Expy. In the photo below, we were joined by a “Rosie the Riveter” statue within History Park.
On January 15, 2025 John and Mimi Zhang led a 4-mile rambler hike to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Park near Gilroy. They walked along the lake under the warm January sun. The air was still and the park was peaceful. Occasionally, the solitude was broken by birds singing, and casual movement of a group of deer. Afterward, they rewarded themselves with a delicious lunch at Angelo’s Italian Restaurant on Blossom Hill Road in San Jose.
We celebrated the New Year on Top of our Hill. The Hiking Club once again celebrated New Year’s Day at the top of our tallest hill, at 2,330 ft. The Long Hikers started from Foothill Center. The hike to the top of the hill was 4-5 miles total round-trip distance and included a 1,500 ft. elevation gain. 
On 9-Dec-2024 a group of walkers walked the golf course.
On 2 December 2024, a group of members walked the golf course.
John Petrin led a 4-mile Rambler hike on 11/13/2024 to the Santa Clara County Model Aircraft Skypark which is located along Coyote Creek Trail in Morgan Hill. Unfortunately, no one was flying an aircraft today but the weather was perfect and the five of us were able to avoid all rattlesnakes (one crossed our path the last time here!).
On Wednesday Oct 16, 2024, John Zhang led a hike from Oak Meadow park to Town Plaza park in downtown Los Gatos along the Los Gatos Creek. The weather was beautiful and temperature was perfect. Following the hike, all went to Garrett station and enjoyed some party foods.
On 25-Sept-2024 six hikers enjoyed a 5-mile loop along the coast from Seacliff Beach State Park to the New Brighton Beach campground, returning along the abandoned railroad track through the eucalyptus trees to Seacliff. We enjoyed lunch at the Pixie Deli followed up with ice cream at Marianne’s. Jim Koski led.
On 2-Sept-2024 the golf course group went hiking all around the course since a tournament was scheduled. Terri, Eileen, Kris, Mon0na, Bert had a great time …and definitely got their steps in.