Dog-Friendly Reservoir Hike in the Bay Area | Jones Trail - Lexington Reservoir

Jones Trail at the serene Lexington Reservoir.

TLDR: Jones trail is steep, paved and tight. Great views, easy parking.

Positives:

• Great hike for muscle building and cardio
• nice view
• easy parking
• Porto potties and trash cans present

Downsides:

• trail isn't very wide and could be tough for reactive dogs (we've got some tips for that, though!)

Be Aware:

• Mountain Lions and rattlesnakes may be present

It was 10am, the crew teams were out practicing on the water, and the sun was shining—one of those perfect Bay Area mornings. We even scored an easy parking spot right next to the trail, which already felt like a win.
There are multiple trails around the reservoir, making this a flexible spot depending on your time and energy. If the free parking fills up, there’s also a paid lot available for $6/day, equipped with porta potties and trash cans—a small but helpful detail when planning your outing.

Is Jones Trail Dog-Friendly?

Yes—but with important considerations.

Jones Trail requires dogs to be on a 6-foot leash, which makes sense given the very real presence of wildlife (there’s a large sign warning about mountain lions at the trailhead). It is fairly common in the mountains of the bay area to see these signs, but recent sightings are a consideration to heed, especially when hiking with little dogs.

We passed at least six dogs along the way, and the trail can get tight, with only a few feet of space between hikers at times.

👉 If your dog gets anxious or reactive in close quarters, this may not be the best fit—or you’ll want to come prepared with:

• High-value treats
  
• Solid focus cues
• An adjustable or traffic handle leash

Trail Conditions & Difficulty
The hike begins on a paved path with a fairly steep incline—you’ll feel it right away. As you continue, the trail transitions into dirt, maintaining a steady uphill climb.
We intentionally kept our hike short and manageable for Benji (13) and Mies (15). For senior dogs, this trail is actually a great option for:

• Building muscle strength
  
• Supporting joint health
  
• Encouraging slow, steady movement

It’s a simple but effective conditioning hike—for both dogs and humans.

Why This Trail Stands Out

What really makes this trail worth it is the view.

As you make your way back down, you’re rewarded with beautiful reservoir views, especially in the morning light. It’s one of those moments where you naturally slow down and take it in.

Final Thoughts: Would I Hike Jones Trail Again?

Absolutely.
This is a great dog-friendly hike near the reservoir if:

• Your dog is comfortable passing others on leash
  
• You’re looking for a short but effective uphill workout
• You appreciate scenic views without a long commitment

Next time, I’d love to bring along a more fit dog and explore a bit further.

🌞 Overall: A simple, sunny, and worthwhile hike—especially for building strength and enjoying the outdoors with your dog.