Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) is a 3,436-acre natural area situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains, encompassing the upper Stevens Creek watershed. This preserve features diverse terrain, including rolling grasslands, dense creekside forests of Douglas fir and oak, and prominent points like Black Mountain, which offers expansive views. The landscape is shaped by the San Andreas Fault, contributing to its varied topography, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, and more.
141
Routes
4.6
(119)
Average rating
2608
People visited

5.0
(6)
59
hikers
11.4km
03:23
350m
360m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(4)
26
hikers
13.4km
04:12
510m
530m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

24
hikers
9.84km
02:44
180m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
15
hikers
15.5km
05:01
700m
700m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(4)
36
riders
29.2km
02:33
760m
770m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
57
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

25
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
27
riders
31.2km
03:07
800m
800m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(4)
40
riders
31.4km
01:59
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
riders
54.7km
04:12
1,310m
1,310m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
63
riders
53.7km
04:00
1,240m
1,240m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

52
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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42
riders
87.2km
03:47
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

16
riders
95.0km
03:58
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
115
riders
34.8km
01:55
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
90
riders
109km
05:56
2,280m
2,280m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8
runners
7.35km
00:53
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
6.19km
00:50
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8.19km
00:58
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
6.25km
00:41
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
31
riders
42.7km
03:18
1,010m
1,010m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
7
riders
26.1km
01:51
380m
380m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
riders
21.4km
01:49
470m
470m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) offers a variety of outdoor activities. These include hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, touring cycling, and gravel biking. The preserve features an extensive trail network suitable for different skill levels.
Yes, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) has about 15.5 miles (24.9 km) of hiking trails. Options range from easy loops to challenging ascents, including routes like the Water Wheel Creek Trail. More information can be found in the Hiking in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) guide.
Yes, the preserve offers easy hiking trails suitable for beginners. The 3-mile Stevens Creek Nature Trail is an example, featuring a self-guided interpretive loop. For more options, consult the Easy hikes in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) guide.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) has specific trails where dogs are permitted. It is advisable to check the preserve's regulations regarding dog access before visiting. A guide for Dog-friendly hikes in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) is available.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) is popular for cyclists, with designated trails for both road and mountain biking. The Canyon Trail is a favored route for bicyclists. Guides such as Road Cycling Routes in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) provide more details.
Black Mountain, the highest point at 2,800 feet, offers expansive views of the Santa Clara Valley and the Mt. Hamilton Range. The preserve also features the straight valley of upper Stevens Creek, which is the rift valley of the San Andreas Fault. Interpretive signs along trails provide insights into the area's geology.
The preserve encompasses diverse terrain, including rolling grasslands, dense creekside forests of Douglas fir, live oak, California bay, and madrone. The landscape is also shaped by the San Andreas Fault, contributing to varied topography with features like sag ponds and undulating hills.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 49,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The preserve maintains an average rating of 4.63 out of 5 stars from over 3,200 ratings.
Komoot offers several guides for the preserve, including Hiking, Easy hikes, Family-friendly hikes, Dog-friendly hikes, Road Cycling Routes, and MTB Trails.
The official website for Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) is part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website, found at www.openspace.org. The general contact number for the district is +1-650-691-1200.
Yes, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) offers designated trails for mountain biking. Routes climb to the 2,800-foot summit of Black Mountain or descend into Stevens Creek Canyon. Further details are available in the MTB Trails in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) guide.
Yes, the preserve provides family-friendly hiking options. The Stevens Creek Nature Trail is an accessible choice, offering an interpretive loop. For more suitable routes, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) guide.

