Hike Artdoors
Hike at Montalvo Arts Center
Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.
From Parking Lot 3 or 4, start up the Lookout Trail, a shaded path that winds through fragrant eucalyptus trees. As hikers ascend into the forest, mushrooms of every size and color can be spotted sprouting from the fallen redwood needles. Banana slugs are also common on the forest floor—watch your step!
At the intersection with Lookout Point Trail, keep left onto the spur trail as it rises to an open vista point. Enjoy views of Silicon Valley, from the urban tech campuses to the Diablo Mountain Range in the distance. Then head back down the spur trail and turn left to follow the Redwood Trail as it switchbacks down the hillside.
At the intersection with the Poet’s Walk, turn right and descend the stone staircase to visit the historic villa and theater, a Bay Area haven for artists since 1939. After enjoying the grounds, return to the Redwood Trail and then bear left onto the Lookout Trail.
The Lookout Trail merges with the N. Orchard Trail and curves to the north, taking hikers on a tour of the seasonal creeks and the artists’ residences.
While passing over the four bridges keep an eye out for newts and slugs along the riverbank.
Turn left onto the Creek Trail to cross the river and emerge on the Great Lawn. This offers one of the best views of the Villa and is dotted with handcrafted sculptures. Head northeast to visit the beautiful Italianate Garden and Phelan Cactus Garden, home to a myriad of exotic and native species. Return to the Great Lawn and turn left into the parking lot to complete the loop.
BONUS: Nearby downtown Saratoga is the perfect spot for a little après-hike vino. Roudon Smith offers big pours for a low price in a cozy atmosphere.
Montalvo Arts Center is located at 15400 Montalvo Road in Saratoga. Map. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Dogs welcome on the trails.
Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner
