4.5
(2)
7
hikers
05:18
16.4km
620m
Hiking
Hike the difficult 10.2-mile Monte Bello Trail through Apennine foothills, gaining 2036 feet over 5 hours and 18 minutes.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 13.8 km for 1.33 km
After 15.5 km for 848 m
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.2 km
2.18 km
1.77 km
854 m
433 m
Surfaces
12.0 km
4.04 km
426 m
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Elevation
Highest point (490 m)
Lowest point (160 m)
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Weather
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Friday 15 May
12°C
7°C
76 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Despite the name suggesting the Apennine foothills, the detailed research for a trail named "Monte Bello Trail" primarily points to the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Palo Alto, California. There is no clear information for a "Monte Bello Trail 110" specifically in the Apennine foothills of Italy.
The preserve offers diverse terrain, including rolling grasslands, dense creekside forests, Douglas fir, live oak, and California bay forests. You'll encounter a rich variety of ecosystems, and some trails descend into forested canyons and follow creeks. The area is also notable for being in the rift valley of the San Andreas Fault.
The preserve offers a range of trails from easy to hard. Easy trails are typically up to 2 hours with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Moderate trails can be up to 5 hours with up to 3,000 feet of gain, requiring good fitness. Hard trails are longer than 5 hours or have over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, demanding very good fitness and sturdy shoes.
Yes, the preserve is renowned for its spectacular vistas. From Black Mountain, which rises 2,800 feet, you can get 360-degree panoramic views of the South Bay, including the Santa Clara Valley, Mount Hamilton range, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some trails also feature geological aspects like a sag pond formed by faults.
No, dogs are generally not permitted on the trails within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.
General access to the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve for hiking does not typically require a permit or entrance fee. However, if you plan to use the Black Mountain Backpack Camp, a permit is required for camping.
The preserve can be enjoyed year-round, but spring offers lush greenery and wildflowers, while fall provides cooler temperatures and clear views. Summer can be warm, especially on exposed trails, and winter can bring rain, though it also offers crisp air and fewer crowds.
The preserve has several parking areas. For example, there's a parking lot that serves as an access point for trails leading to Black Mountain and the Black Mountain Backpack Camp. It's advisable to check the official Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website for specific trailhead parking locations and any current advisories.
The preserve is primarily a natural area, so amenities are limited. There are no cafes or pubs directly on the trails. The Black Mountain Backpack Camp is the only campsite within the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, offering a basic backpacking experience.
Yes, the preserve connects with several other open space preserves, including Stevens Creek County Park, Skyline Ridge, Los Trancos, and Rancho San Antonio. These connections allow for various longer hike combinations and extended exploration of the region.