Head out with Docent Naturalists Martin Manley and Dave Kocsis on a moderately-paced hike to escape the valley heat and experience the interesting geology and plants of this beautiful preserve. You’ll enjoy a great view of the San Andreas Fault and discuss the effects it has had on the landscape before descending the shaded canyon next to Stevens Creek (the real creek—not the car dealership district) to see the wildflowers and check out the local habitat of the California newt. You’ll climb to the summit of Black Mountain via the Canyon and Bella Vista trails for a lunch break with a fabulous view over a wide swath of the peninsula before returning down the mountain.
Meet at the Monte Bello Parking Area on Page Mill Road (across from Los Trancos Preserve), 7 miles west of I-280 or 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard. Those traveling from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 minutes travel time.