Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Protected natural area in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, California.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve is a large protected area stretching across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties with rolling grasslands, creek forests, and mountain ridges. The landscape is shaped by the Stevens Creek Watershed and contains diverse habitats for wildlife and plants.
The land was used as dairy farms and orchards during the late 1800s and early 1900s before it was protected. Traces of this agricultural past remain visible along the Waterwheel Creek Trail.
The preserve functions as an educational center where visitors learn about environmental conservation through guided programs and interpretive nature trails.
Multiple entry points with parking along Page Mill Road provide access to hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. Conditions vary by season and weather, so visitors should be prepared for changing terrain and weather patterns.
Black Mountain Backpack Camp is located about 1.5 miles from Page Mill Road and allows multi-day experiences with a permit. The remote location gives visitors a chance to spend nights in nature and explore quieter corners of the preserve.
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