Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties, Santa Cruz Mountains, California · Open Space Preserve

A 3,133-acre preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Palo Alto, managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Features 15.5 miles of trails, rich wildlife including mountain lions and bobcats, and the only backpack campsite on Midpen lands.

Campgrounds

• Black Mountain Backpack Camp — 2,674 ft · reserve

Top trails

• Monte Bello Preserve Loop — 7.0 mi loop
• Monte Bello Black Mountain Loop — 5.5 mi loop

Visiting

Fees — Day Use: $0, After-Hours Astronomy: $0, Water Wheel Creek: $0.

Parking: The main lot (55 spaces including 4 ADA) is free and open without a reservation. The Water Wheel Creek lot (12 spaces) requires an advance permit application submitted at least 2 weekdays prior to the visit.. No dogs. Phone: (650) 691-1200.

Coordinates: 37.3258, -122.1786. Official website.

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