Woods Trail is part of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail and connects with several trails within the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
Starting elevation is about 1400ft and over the first 3 miles there are gradual inclines / declines until you hit the turnoff for Barlow Road. At this point, Woods trail begins to head up. After another 3 miles, it tops out at Mt. El Sombroso with an elevation of 3000ft. It's a good, steady climb with some steep sections and some good views of south San Jose. This trail joins up with Kennedy Trail (straight) as well as Limekiln Trail (left).
From here,you have a few options. You can take Kennedy Trail all the way down the hill, turn right on Shannon Road, then right on Hicks to loop back to your starting point.
-OR-
You can take Kennedy to Priest Rock Trail, or Limekiln Trail (both fire roads) as they will intersect with each other about 3 miles further down. From here, you can loop back on the other trail, or continue down either to Lexington Reservoir.
If you chose to continue to Lexington, Priest Rock Trail is a fire road while Limekiln Trail is a tight, steep, rocky doubletrack - oftentimes singletrack. Both drop you off at Alma Bridge Road, with Limekiln Trail dropping you off close to the top of the dam. If you take this route, I would suggest having a second vehicle awaiting you at the end of the trail as it is a long ride back to the starting point. Lake level is around 800ft, so it's a good climb back, too.
It has been noted that these trails are often patrolled by rangers and have cited riders for exceeding the 15mph speed limit. Please use caution as all these trails are frequented by hikers and equestrians.
Took Woods to Kennedy to Limekiln to Lexington trail. Climb up woods was decent, but the Kennedy connector was brutal. Several sections of very steep hills.
Recommend staying on Limekiln unless you're looking to walk your bike uphill, or a brutal workout.
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