Forbes Mill Footbridge
A vibrant pedestrian bridge adorned with children's art, connecting Los Gatos Creek Trail to Old Town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To best appreciate the artwork
Forbes Mill Footbridge
Best Time
To best appreciate the artwork
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant pedestrian bridge adorned with children's art, connecting Los Gatos Creek Trail to Old Town.
"A cool way to connect trails and town, brightened by kids' art!"
📸 Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the colorful murals; they're a unique feature of this bridge! :camerawithflash:
👟 Trail Ready
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the Los Gatos Creek Trail. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Children's Artwork Gallery
Vibrant, ever-changing murals painted by local kids transform the bridge into an outdoor art exhibition.
Los Gatos Creek Trail Access
Connects to the scenic Los Gatos Creek Trail, offering a path towards Lexington Dam.
Gateway to Old Town
Provides a direct pedestrian link to the charming shops and restaurants of downtown Los Gatos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Access & Parking
Artistic Flair & Trail Connections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the colorful murals; they're a unique feature of this bridge! :camerawithflash:
👟 Trail Ready
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the Los Gatos Creek Trail. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Note
Parking is available at the old mill site, but the museum is closed. :car:
🚶♀️ Downtown Link
Perfect for a quick stroll into Los Gatos for shopping or dining. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the colorful murals; they're a unique feature of this bridge! :camerawithflash:
👟 Trail Ready
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the Los Gatos Creek Trail. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking Note
Parking is available at the old mill site, but the museum is closed. :car:
🚶♀️ Downtown Link
Perfect for a quick stroll into Los Gatos for shopping or dining. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Forbes Mill Footbridge for its unique children's artwork and its convenient connection to both the Los Gatos Creek Trail and downtown Los Gatos. While some note its narrowness and the closure of the adjacent museum, the bridge is generally seen as a clean, well-maintained, and charming local feature.
"Not a very wide footbridge that crosses over highway 17 in Los Gatos. It's very clean and well maintained. On one side there's a steep drop to a small parking lot at the old (and permanently closed) Forbes Flour Mill museum and the Los Gatos Creek Trail's dirt portion that takes you to the Lexington Dam Loop. On the other is the backside entrance to Old Town and a wooden foot bridge to Miles Ave"
Gerard Barry
"This bridge leads into Los Gatos downtown. The artwork by kids is a special part of the footbridge."
Atul Nayak
"What a cool way to ignore kids! Nice paintings"
Michele Sidoine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is accessible from the Los Gatos Creek Trail or via the backside entrance to Old Town Los Gatos. Parking is available at the former Forbes Flour Mill site.
Yes, parking is available at the old Forbes Flour Mill museum site, though the museum itself is permanently closed.
Absolutely! The bridge connects directly to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, including its dirt portion leading towards Lexington Dam.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Forbes Mill Footbridge is free and open to the public.
The bridge is generally accessible during daylight hours, aligning with park and trail access times.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best light to capture the vibrant children's artwork. Golden hour can also provide beautiful lighting.
Yes, the colorful murals painted by local children provide unique and dynamic backdrops for photos.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The bridge itself is a pedestrian walkway. Accessibility may vary on connected trails; the dirt portion of the Los Gatos Creek Trail might be challenging for some mobility devices.
You can explore the Los Gatos Creek Trail, visit the shops and restaurants in Old Town Los Gatos, or enjoy the public art on the bridge itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking is available at the old mill site, making it relatively easy to access. Combine a walk across the bridge with a visit to Old Town Los Gatos for a delightful outing. The bridge itself is not very wide, so keep an eye on little ones, especially near the edges.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Bridge
This artistic element is frequently mentioned by visitors, who appreciate the spontaneous and cheerful nature of the murals. It’s a testament to community engagement and a charming way to brighten the urban landscape. The bridge's connection to the nearby Old Town also means you can easily combine a walk across the bridge with exploring local shops and eateries.
Connecting Trails and Town
On the other side, the bridge leads directly to the backside entrance of Old Town Los Gatos. This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for visitors to park near the old mill site and then easily walk into town for shopping, dining, or simply enjoying the atmosphere. The bridge effectively bridges the gap between recreational trails and urban amenities, making it a versatile point of access for various activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit