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

Waterwheel Downhill Ride

Saturday, November 1, 2025
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Monte Bello Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
17

Join Docent Naturalists Dave Kocsis, An Scharlaken, Peter Maxwell, and Steve Crawford for an advanced ride on fun trails with outstanding views in memory of our friend and Midpen docent Strether Smith. You’ll carpool from Picchetti Ranch Preserve to the beautiful Waterwheel Creek Trail and ride most of the single track and fire roads in Monte Bello Preserve before taking Stevens Canyon Road back to your carpool location. The mostly downhill route (2,200-foot net descent) includes 1,700+ feet of climbing. Approximately five miles of the ride is on public roadways. Bring a snack or lunch. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after October 18 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close October 31 at 2:00 p.m.

Where to Meet

For this activity at Monte Bello Preserve, meet at the Picchetti Ranch Preserve parking lot. From the intersection of I-280 and Foothill Expressway, go 3.5 miles southwest (toward the mountains) on Foothill Boulevard/Stevens Canyon Road.  Turn right on Montebello Road.  The preserve is 0.5 miles up Montebello Rd. on the left. Participants will carpool to the trailhead for this activity.

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.

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