El Sereno Open Space Preserve

Distance: 3.8 miles (7.2 round trip) Elevation Gain/Loss (1-way): 154/1,296

It was a cool January morning when I hit this section. The limited parking compelled me to leave earlier than I would have liked, but the drive up Montevina prevented me from arriving too early. Fortunately, it likely prevented others as well, as I found only one car parked in the dirt patch. The views began immediately as did the steepness of the incline. After a short while the trail eases and the views disappear, before opening up again for the long descent, blocked only briefly by a grove of Pacific Madrone. Unfortunately the trail terminates rather anticlimactically, with a partial view above Lexington Reservoir obscured by a large metal transmission tower. Still, there are plenty of excellent views along the route which should not disappoint.

Located on the slopes of Mount El Sereno near Los Gatos, this preserve includes an isolated section of the ridge trail. Sanborn County Park is several miles to the North and Sierra Azul to the south across Lexington Reservoir. Montevina Road, the route to the parking lot, is a narrow twisting 10 mile drive from highway 17, at times having only a single lane. A few feet before the end of the road you will find a patch of dirt with room for up to 5 cars assuming they are parked close enough together.

This hike itself is an out and back with the way out being almost entirely downhill. Much of it is exposed to the sun save a short section of trees about a mile from the start. While this could make for uncomfortably hot hiking in the summer, it also provides wide open views on your descent. And on your return climb you have a clear view of the trail snaking back up the hillside, letting you see exactly how much climbing remains. A biker passed me on my up hill return and, as I continued walking, I was able to watch him for at least 30-40 minutes winding back and forth across the mountain until he eventually became a dot that disappeared over the ridge above.