Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

Featured Trail: Black Mountain Loop

Foothills Above Palo Alto and Mt. View

Distance Difficulty Level Elevation
( Min / Max )		 Bicycles Dogs Equestrian Backpacking Remarks
5.5 Level: 6
This hike includes two somewhat difficult climbs and descents. 		1600 -- 2800 Yes No Yes Yes Bicycles and Equestrian Be sure to check the park map from the menu above for specific trail information.

Trail Map

Featured Trail Introduction: On this Featured Trail start at 2,200 feet and climb to the top of Black Mountain, elevation 2,800 feet. Then take the return part of the loop down to 1,700 feet before returning to the parking lot. From the peak at Black Mountain -when the weather permits- you will see the Pacific Ocean and most of the Bay Area.
Featured Trail: Follow trail marked in "Red" starting at Note 1.

Important Trail Notes

  • Note: 1 Find the Monte Bello parking area on Page Mill Road, 1.3 miles east of Highway 35. The trailhead for this hike is Canyon Trail, which is located near the entrance of the Monte Bello parking area. There is a sign at the beggining of the trail indicating "Canyon Trail." Shortly afterwards, follow the trail signs to "Backpack Camp." Bicycles and Equestrians: Allowed on Canyon Trail. Special Notes: Much of this hike is in the sun; be sure to take sun tan lotion. Also, segments of the trail are near the creek; be sure to take mosquito repellent.
  • Note 2: At the fork in the trail, follow Bella Vista Trail.
  • Note 3: Ignore Monte Bello road (gravel vehicle road to the left), which is near the backpacking area.
  • Note 4: After the backpacking area -heading toward Black Mountain peak- take the road to the right up the hill. A few more steps and you will see the communications antenna to the left. Again, ignore the Black Mountain Trail heading to the left. The peak is a few more steps on your left immediately after Black Mountain Trail.
  • Note: 5 To start the return leg of the loop, follow your steps back down the hill. But, just before the backpack area follow the trail to the left: Indian Creek Trail.
  • Note 6: Indian Creek Trail connects with Canyon Trail for a short segment and then connects with Stevens Creek Nature Trail
  • Note 7: Be sure to follow Canyon Trail to the left as you come up the hill.

    • Getting There

    • Find your way to the intersection of CA-35 and Page Mill Road in Palo Alto
    • Head north-east (away from the mountains) on Page Mill Road about 1.5 miles
    • Parking: 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.



    Google Map