Monte Bello Open Space Preserve is located on Page Mill Road before you reach Skyline Blvd. As you head west on Page Mill Road about 500 feet before the Preserve watch out for a green sign that says “Monte Bello Open Space Preserve” with an arrow. At the site of the spacious dirt parking lot, there is a large wooden sign on the left hand side of the road. There is a restroom in the parking lot. At the trailhead they have maps for orientation and choice of trails. This review covers the Stevens Creek Nature Trail (hikers only) and connection to the Canyon trail (bicycles, hikers and equestrian) for an out and back trip lasting about one hour. It is a moderate downhill that is exposed to the sun on the nature trail with some trees on the Canyon trail. The colors and foliage reflect the month when the pictures were taken- August. Look out for the sign that guides you to the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Unfortunately most of the signs that guide you through flora on the trail are unreadable.
Monte Bello Sign Entrance
Parking lot Trailhead
The path is wide and bordered by fields of golden grasses in August. Across the canyon you can see the green hills.
Golden grassy fields and green hills
There is a bench on the left for resting and an intersection where you bear left to head over to Canyon Trail.
Bench along trail
As you walk on the trail, you will get to a gate where you make a right turn. A little later on, make another right hand turn onto a tree-lined and shady part of the trail.
Gate Wildflowers
Wide trails Broad trees
Exposed part of trail Shady part of trail
You will pass a sag pond on the left with a bench beside it in the shade and then the trail opens up again. You will see some wildflowers and blackberries along the trial.
Sag pond
White wildflowers Wild blackberries
Arrive at a fork in the road where the left goes to Bella Vista Trail and Backpack Camp and right to stay on Canyon Trail. The trail is surrounded by grasses and there is a third bench to stop and take a rest or view the scenery. The trail continues in the shade. Turn around and head back for about a one hour hike.
Full Review: Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve is located on Page Mill Road before you reach Skyline Blvd. As you head west on Page Mill Road about 500 feet before the Preserve watch out for a green sign that says “Monte Bello Open Space Preserve” with an arrow. At the site of the spacious dirt parking lot, there is a large wooden sign on the left hand side of the road. There is a restroom in the parking lot. At the trailhead they have maps for orientation and choice of trails. This review covers the Stevens Creek Nature Trail (hikers only) and connection to the Canyon trail (bicycles, hikers and equestrian) for an out and back trip lasting about one hour. It is a moderate downhill that is exposed to the sun on the nature trail with some trees on the Canyon trail. The colors and foliage reflect the month when the pictures were taken- August. Look out for the sign that guides you to the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Unfortunately most of the signs that guide you through flora on the trail are unreadable.
Monte Bello Sign Entrance
Parking lot Trailhead
The path is wide and bordered by fields of golden grasses in August. Across the canyon you can see the green hills.
Golden grassy fields and green hills
There is a bench on the left for resting and an intersection where you bear left to head over to Canyon Trail.
Bench along trail
As you walk on the trail, you will get to a gate where you make a right turn. A little later on, make another right hand turn onto a tree-lined and shady part of the trail.
Gate Wildflowers
Wide trails Broad trees
Exposed part of trail Shady part of trail
You will pass a sag pond on the left with a bench beside it in the shade and then the trail opens up again. You will see some wildflowers and blackberries along the trial.
Sag pond
White wildflowers Wild blackberries
Arrive at a fork in the road where the left goes to Bella Vista Trail and Backpack Camp and right to stay on Canyon Trail. The trail is surrounded by grasses and there is a third bench to stop and take a rest or view the scenery. The trail continues in the shade. Turn around and head back for about a one hour hike.
Trail intersection Third bench
Shady part of trail