Hikers in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve / photo by Lanette Otvos

Black Mountain

Saturday, September 20, 2025
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Monte Bello Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
4.5

Climb to the top Black Mountain, one of the peninsula’s iconic peaks. This moderately-paced hike will provide an opportunity to appreciate the 360-degree panorama over the Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains with Docent Naturalists Anouchka Gaillard, Chris MacIntosh, and Nick Yatsko. You’ll start on the Canyon Trail and then hike along the scenic Bella Vista Trail, enjoying the flora and fauna of late summer while traversing grassland, woodlands, riparian, and chaparral habitats. Bring a snack. (Note: This excursion is for individuals comfortable climbing a 1,000-foot elevation gain.)

Where to Meet

Meet at the Monte Bello Parking Area on Page Mill Road (across from Los Trancos Preserve), 7 miles west of I-280 or 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 minutes travel time.

To ensure your experience on a docent naturalist outing is enjoyable please review these activity guidelines.

For more information about trail characteristics for this event, check out the Midpen Trail Explorer app. To learn more about ADA accommodations for events, or make an inquiry with the ADA coordinator, visit our Accessibility page.

If your activity requires registration, please be sure to cancel your reservation (from your confirmation email) if you are no longer able to attend so others can participate.

After your participation on a guided activity please share your feedback — your input is meaningful to our volunteers and program staff – thank you!