Monte Bello is one of the more picturesque open space preserves in the SF bay area. You are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. I hiked the Monte Bello loop trail with my friend Hemant this weekend. We started off early in the morning in the darkness. The parking area gates were not yet open and we had to park by the side of the road. I love driving up Page Mill Road during sunrise; you get many sweeping views of the Bay Area with the ocean to the north and the fog-covered valley below.
We did the trail clockwise, so we climbed up first to the top of Black mountain and then descended through beautiful Oak and pine forests. On the way up, you are flanked by beautiful California Buckeye and Oregon white Oak trees. The midway point of the trail is the top of Black Mountain, which is about 2800ft. The views from the top of the mountain are simply stunning. You can also see the top of Mt Umunhum in the south. Just before you get to the top of the mountain are several group camping sites. A Boy Scout group was camping in the area. If you want to do a quick overnight camping trip with family these sites seem ideal. We exchanged pleasantries with the Boy Scout group and continued our way up to the top of Black Mountain.
After a quick lunch on the top of Black Mountain, we descended into the forest below. The trail is flanked by creeks and towering redwoods and oaks. Overall, the trail was about 8 miles and took about 3-4 hrs. I enjoyed the trail and look forward to hiking some of the adjacent trails in the preserve.