Ciao Bello!

Hike to the Top of Black Mountain in Monte Bello Open Space

Hike Monte Bello Open Space to Black Mountain

Rising 2,800 feet over the Peninsula’s Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Black Mountain—the inspiration behind Mountain View’s name—quietly stands watch over the South Bay. The 2-mile (one-way) exposed trail that climbs gradually to Black Mountain’s summit is a feast for the eyes: dense yellow grass blankets rolling hills and blows in the wind like a lion’s mane.

Hike Monte Bello Opens Space to Black Mountain

At the top, scattered boulders (pictured) provide the best place for your first picnic of 2009. This lofty route rewards hikers with 360-degree views across the South Bay, from the Santa Clara Valley all the way to the Mount Hamilton range and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

TIP: If you want to add an extra 2 miles to the hike, descend Indian Creek Trail and loop back up Canyon and Stevens Creek Nature Trail; this loop includes a long and relatively steep descent into a canopy of trees, with a few bridge crossings along the way.

From I-280 in Palo Alto, exit Page Mill Rd. going west and climb 7 curvy miles up to Monte Bello Open Space. Pick up a map at the kiosk. Take the main trail from the parking lot, Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Take the left fork heading toward the Canyon Trail. Follow the Canyon Trail .25 mile, then take Bella Vista Trail up. Stay on this for a mile before turning right onto Old Ranch Trail. Go past the Backpack Camp and continue another .25 mile to summit of Black Mountain. Continue a couple of hundred feet on the wide road past the radio towers to find the large rocks. Return the way you came or follow the TIP above to make it a loop hike. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View