The best city hikes and walks in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)
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Hiking in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area) offers urban hiking trails that blend natural elements with city exploration. The area features a mix of rolling grasslands, creekside forests, and diverse ecosystems, even within its more developed sections. Trails often follow riparian corridors and provide views of the surrounding Santa Clara Valley. This region is characterized by gentle terrain, making it suitable for accessible urban walks.
Best urban hiking trails in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)
- The…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Enjoy an easy 2.2-mile loop hike through Downtown Los Altos, visiting Lincoln Park and the Los Altos History Museum.
2
hikers
6.05km
01:34
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
4.43km
01:08
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
6.06km
01:33
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This scenic linear park, separating Los Altos from Los Altos Hills, offers a smooth, uninterrupted route ideal for a relaxing bike ride. Cyclists can enjoy its shaded paths, spot public art installations along the way, and pause at the gazebo or open grass field for a break with a view.
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The Los Altos History Museum, was founded in 2001. It is located within one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s few remaining apricot orchards. The museum has a range of exhibitions about the history of the area.
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Downtown Los Altos is a charming six-block, pedestrian‑friendly village centered on Main and State Streets. The tree-lined streets are full of cafés, restaurants, and shops.
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A special feature is its design in the shape of a large ring. Campus 1 already has Infinite Loop as its address; This idea was adopted for the new headquarters by Norman Foster, who was hired as an architect. With a diameter of almost half a kilometer (461 m), the ring-shaped building is larger than the Pentagon (albeit with significantly less usable space at 260,000 m²).[2] Inside the ring there is a 12 hectare park, twice the size of the Vienna City Park. A total of over 14,000 parking spaces are planned for the area. Only the store is open on Sundays, so you can't get into the inner courtyard, which is worth seeing.
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Through permanent and temporary exhibits, this museum showcases the history of Los Altos, from its agricultural origins (the building is actually right next to one of the few remaining apricot orchards in the area) to its modern history as part of Silicon Valley. Inside the museum, there is a model of Los Altos as it appeared in 1932 with a very cool train running along what is now Foothill Expressway.
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There's always something going on in the tree-lined streets of downtown Los Altos. Most notably, its annual Arts & Wine festival, which completely takes over the area.
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Beautiful redwood forest with a fun boardwalk along the riparian floodplain of Adobe Creek, as well as several picnic tables. Every year the Los Altos Parks & Recreation Department holds here the now-traditional Redwood Grove Summer Camp.
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This pleasant linear park divides Los Altos from Los Altos Hills. Its extensive length makes it perfect for a walk or run. The park has a gazebo, a large grass field, and three public art pieces, as well as an entrance ornament greeting visitors to Los Altos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are available in the Los Altos and Cupertino areas covered by this guide?
This guide features 4 urban hiking trails in the Los Altos and Cupertino areas. These routes are generally easy, making them accessible for a wide range of hikers.
What kind of urban hiking experiences can I expect in these areas?
The urban hiking trails in this guide offer a blend of town exploration and natural escapes. You can expect to walk through charming downtown areas, visit local parks, and discover historical sites. For example, the Downtown Los Altos loop through Lincoln Park and the History Museum combines urban exploration with green spaces.
Are there any family-friendly urban hikes?
Yes, all the routes in this guide are rated as easy and are suitable for families. They are relatively short with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a leisurely outing with children. The Lincoln Park – Redwood Grove Nature Preserve loop from Los Altos offers a pleasant walk through parks and natural areas that families often enjoy.
Are dogs allowed on the urban hiking trails?
Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in public parks and on sidewalks in Los Altos and Cupertino. However, specific rules may vary by park or preserve. It's always best to check local signage for the most current regulations regarding pets. Many urban trails are dog-friendly, but always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.
What are some notable places to explore along these urban routes?
You'll find several interesting spots. In Los Altos, routes often pass through Lincoln Park and by the Los Altos History Museum. The Downtown Los Altos – Los Altos History Museum loop from Los Altos is a great way to experience these local highlights.
Are there any circular urban hiking routes?
Yes, all 4 urban hiking routes featured in this guide are circular loops, designed for convenience. This means you'll start and end at the same point, making parking and navigation straightforward. An example is the High12 loop from Cupertino.
What is the best time of year to go urban hiking in Los Altos and Cupertino?
These urban trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and potential wildflower displays in local parks. Fall offers comfortable weather for walking. Summer can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. Winter is generally mild, though occasional rain may occur.
What do other hikers enjoy most about these urban trails?
The urban trails in this guide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.63 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility, the pleasant mix of urban and green spaces, and the ease of navigation, making them perfect for a relaxed stroll or a quick outdoor escape.
Are there options for public transport to access these urban hiking trails?
Yes, Los Altos and Cupertino are well-served by local public transportation, including bus services. Many trailheads for these urban routes are located within walking distance of bus stops, making them accessible even without a car. We recommend checking local transit schedules for the most convenient options to your chosen starting point.
Is parking available near the urban trailheads?
Yes, as these are urban routes, parking is generally available in public parking lots or on-street parking in the downtown areas of Los Altos and Cupertino, close to the trailheads. Always observe local parking regulations and signage.
What is the typical difficulty and length of these urban hikes?
All the urban hikes in this guide are classified as easy. Their lengths range from approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), with very little elevation gain, making them suitable for casual walkers and beginners.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near these urban hiking trails?
Absolutely. Since these routes are in urban and suburban areas like Downtown Los Altos and Cupertino, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops conveniently located along or very close to the trails. This makes it easy to grab a coffee, a meal, or do some shopping before or after your hike.
Most popular routes in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)
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