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Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 624 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Altos, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Monte Bello Open Space Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Large area with views of Santa Clara Valley & trails, including one for biking & horseback riding.
What runners say about Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
“The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky and steep in places, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.”
“Beautiful rolling mountain hills, grasslands, old oak trees, deer, snakes, mosquitoes, insects, etc.”
“Great trails that are well marked and offer a mix of scenery with wooded ravines and streams and grassy hills.”
“There were many trees covered with lots of moss on their stems, which makes it very peaceful.”
Monte Bello Preserve is a great place for a day hike. I visited here in March/7/2021. No entrance fee,the parking lot has good size but can fill up quickly, They also have a bathroom at the trailhead. My hike was a 6 miles loop and 1,000 ft of elevation gain. The trails are well maintained, it’s easy to follow.
Monte Bello Preserve is a great place for a day hike. The Stevens Creek Nature Trail leads from the parking lot down into the canyon below which offers some great scenery. I hiked the preserve in the early Fall season and the colors were great.
It’s quiet, serene, quaint and beautiful. You can hike for miles and not see anyone (week days ya at least). Trail are beautiful - both open and shaded. Lots of wild life to see. You occasionally share path with cyclist, so be aware.
Beautiful and challenging but not too steep (not the routes we took, at least). We saw some mule deer (I think), scrub jays, and woodpeckers. I love the mix of pine, California buckeye, and oaks (among many other trees I don’t know). The Indian paintbrush, buckbrush, California poppies, and bluedicks were blooming.
Trail conditions & character
“Black Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers some of the best views in the area.”
“The Stevens Creek Nature Trail leads from the parking lot down into the canyon below which offers some great scenery.”
“The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky and steep in places, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.”
“The loop down to the canyon and back up the Canyon Trail Fire Road is about a 3 mile loop hike that isn't to difficult.”
“No entrance fee,the parking lot has good size but can fill up quickly, They also have a bathroom at the trailhead.”
“There were many trees covered with lots of moss on their stems, which makes it very peaceful.”
“Great trails that are well marked and offer a mix of scenery with wooded ravines and streams and grassy hills.”
Plan your run at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteopenspace.org
- Phone(650) 691-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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