About Monte Bello Open Space Preserve: Monte Bello is a 3,133 acre preserve that is rich in wildlife and ecosystem diversity. Part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, the preserve encompasses the upper Stevens Creek watershed from Monte Bello Ridge to Skyline Ridge. Views of the Monte Bello Ridge and the Black Mountain can be seen from the cities of Palo Alto and Los Altos and early settlers actually named our well know city, Mountain View, after the beautiful Black Mountain. The preserve is so rich in wildlife that hikers may likely see wild turkey, coyote, bobcat, red-tailed hawk and deer while on the trails.
Directions to Trail Head: The preserve's main entrance is on Page Mill Road, 7 miles west of Highway 280 and 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Parking is available for 45 cars. Additional parking is available at the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve parking area, located directly across Page Mill Road. Check the website below for a map.
Hike Description: We started at the Monte Bello parking area on Page Mill Road. We hiked on the Canyon, Bella Vista, and Old Ranch trails, past the camping and restroom area, and on Monte Bello Road for a short distance to the summit of Black Mountain. We made it just in time to enjoy spring wild flowers and lush meadows. We returned down the Indian Creek Trail, along the Canyon Trail and up the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. From Black Mountain we had great views of the Santa Clara Valley and the Mt. Hamilton Range as well as Stevens Canyon and Skyline Ridge. From the vista point on the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, the view was down Stevens Creek Canyon to Mt. Umunhum and Loma Prieta in the distance. Deep within the canyon, the trail parallels the headwaters of Stevens Creek. The six mile round trip took us about 2 1/2 hours.
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Hikers enjoying View at Monte Bello |
Lush Meadows in the Spring |
Park Details and Maps |
| Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk |
Carpool Info:Meet at 4th Street in Saratoga, located behind Plumed Horse Restaurant, to carpool at 8 AM on Saturday, November 11th. Bring boots, hiking sticks, snacks and water.
Driving Directions to Trailhead: The preserve's main entrance is on Page Mill Road, 7 miles west of Highway 280 and 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Parking is available for 45 cars. Additional parking is available at the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve parking area, located directly across Page Mill Road. Check the website below for a map.
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