Escape the City and Find Peace on Open Trails
Whether you're chasing sweeping Bay Area views or a quiet walk through moss-covered forest, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve gives you room to breathe, explore, and return feeling restored.
Why customers choose us
What makes Monte Bello Open Space Preserve stand out
01
Escape Into Varied, Scenic Nature
Hikers choose Monte Bello when they want a single outing that delivers genuinely different landscapes — open grassland ridges, forested ravines, and sweeping Bay Area views — without driving to multiple destinations. The preserve's trail network delivers a layered, evolving experience that rewards the full loop.
“You can see both very pretty hills and forest on one side and also entire Bay Area with its buildings and campuses in the other. Quite a unique spectrum of scenery.”
02
Challenging Day Hike, Zero Cost
People hire Monte Bello when they want a physically rewarding hike — meaningful elevation gain, well-maintained trails, and clear navigation — without paying an entrance fee or dealing with complicated logistics. Free parking, a trailhead bathroom, and clear markings remove friction so hikers can focus entirely on the experience.
“My hike was a 6 miles loop and 1,000 ft of elevation gain. The trails are well maintained, it's easy to follow.”
03
Overnight Nature Reset, Simply Done
For visitors who want a genuine overnight wilderness experience without complex planning, the preserve's backpacker campsite offers a quiet, accessible escape — permits are acquired easily online and the site is just a short hike from the parking lot. Sunset views and wildlife encounters deliver the restorative payoff they came for.
“Sunset view was amazing, with deers around. The campsite was clean and quiet, only a short hike from Monte Bello parking lot. Permit can be easily acquired online.”
What customers love most
Consistently praised by reviewers
Well-marked, easy-to-follow trails
“Great trails that are well marked and offer a mix of scenery with wooded ravines and streams and grassy hills.”
Panoramic views from Black Mountain
“A lot of lovely views at Black Mountain, the landscape is very beautiful.”
Moss-covered trees in forested sections
“I loved the moss covered trees.”
Free entry with ample parking
“Free to visit, bathroom at the parking lot, no running water, but hand sanitizer is available.”
Backpacker campsite with stunning sunset views
“Sunset view was amazing, with deers around. The campsite was clean and quiet, only a short hike from Monte Bello parking lot.”
Diverse scenery mixing open hills and shaded forest
“You can see both very pretty hills and forest on one side and also entire Bay Area with its buildings and campuses in the other. Quite a unique spectrum of scenery.”
Wildlife encounters along the trails
“Lots of wild life to see.”
Easy online permit for camping
“Permit can be easily acquired online.”
The little things that matter
Beyond expectations
Well-Marked Trails You Can Actually Follow
Visitors consistently note that the trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate, so hikers can focus on the scenery rather than worrying about getting lost.
Free Entry, Every Time
There is no entrance fee to visit the preserve, making it an accessible outing for anyone who wants to explore without the friction of paying to get in.
Convenient, Ample Parking
A sizeable gravel parking lot greets visitors right at the trailhead, and it is free to use — a small but meaningful detail that removes a common hassle before the hike even begins.
Restroom Facilities at the Trailhead
Clean toilet facilities are available right at the parking lot, so visitors can head out on longer hikes with confidence. Hand sanitizer is provided to compensate for the lack of running water.
A Genuine Overnight Option for Those Who Want More
A dedicated backpacker campsite sits just a short hike from the main parking lot, offering a quiet, clean space with stunning sunset views — and permits can be acquired easily online in advance.
Varied Scenery Within a Single Outing
The trails move through multiple distinct environments — open grassy hills, wooded ravines, moss-covered forests, and streams — giving visitors a rich and varied experience without needing to travel to different locations.
Wildlife Encounters as Part of the Experience
Deer and other wildlife appear regularly along the trails and around the campsite, adding a sense of natural discovery that feels unhurried and unscripted.
Panoramic Views as a Natural Reward
Reaching the top of Black Mountain offers sweeping views across the Bay Area on one side and rolling hills on the other — a payoff that visitors describe as genuinely memorable and worth the climb.
Tips for your first visit
Make the most of your visit
Arrive Early for Parking
The gravel parking lot is free and sizeable, but it can fill up quickly — especially on weekends.
Skip Summer Visits
The trails are best enjoyed in spring, fall, and winter — plan your visit outside of summertime for the most comfortable experience.
Book Camping Permits Online
If you want to stay at the backpacker campsite, permits can be easily acquired online in advance.
No Running Water Onsite
Restrooms are available at the trailhead, but there is no running water — hand sanitizer is provided, so come prepared with your own water supply.
Watch for Cyclists on Trails
Some trails are shared with cyclists, so stay alert and be ready to share the path.
Hike Up to Black Mountain
The loop up to Black Mountain offers a rewarding mix of open grassland views on the ascent and moss-covered forest on the way back down.
More reasons to visit
There's always more to love
Restroom facilities at the trailhead
“They also have a bathroom at the trailhead.”