Serenity at Sunrise

Sunrise Hike in the South Bay at El Sereno Preserve

Man hiking the Aquinas Trail near sunrise in the South Bay at El Sereno Preserve

Mount El Sereno, “the serene one” in El Sereno Preserve, rises high above the Lexington Reservoir and Santa Clara Valley, with majestic views spanning the Diablo Range, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Santa Lucia Mountains. Soak it all in with a sunrise hike to the brand-new California State Senator Jim Beall (pronounced “Bell”) bench on the Aquinas Trail.

Start at the entrance gate on the Montevina Ridge Trail and then turn right onto the Aquinas Trail. The wide and sunny fire road climbs gently, then descends northeast. It’s surprisingly green with tall thickets of chamise and manzanita. Peaks in Sierra Azul Preserve and the Diablo Range peek over the chaparral. 

Man hiking the Aquinas Trail at sunrise in the South Bay at El Sereno Preserve

At three-quarters of a mile, reach the Senator Beall commemorative bench, facing a 180-degree panorama of Mount Hamilton, the Santa Clara Valley, Mount Umunhum, Lexington Reservoir, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. After the bench, the Aquinas Trail descends just over 3 miles (one-way), losing 1,400 feet elevation to Sheldon Road. Continue as little or as long as you like before turning around and returning to the trailhead.

Senator Beall served in the California State Senate from 2012 to 2020, and prior to that held positions in the California State Assembly, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and San Jose City Council. His grandparents lived on Montevina Road, and he grew up in San Jose, hiking the Santa Cruz Mountains. He is a champion for land preservation, wildlife protection, and outdoor recreation and has secured millions in funding towards those endeavors throughout his career. Bravo, Senator Beall, and thank you.

Take the Bear Creek Rd. exit off Hwy. 17. At the end of the exit ramp, follow signs onto Montevina Rd. and drive 4.0 miles to a dirt parking area on your right, 200 feet before the entrance gate. The parking area is a dirt shoulder big enough for 4 or 5 cars. The Preserve is open a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Leashed dogs allowed. Biking and equestrian use allowed.

{Covid-19 Update, January 2021}: Please download a map on the park’s webpage before you go; paper maps are not available. Please practice social distancing and wear a face covering when you’re not able to maintain 6 feet of distance.

Trending Stories NorCal

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. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    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. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View