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Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
California
Santa Clara County

Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, Black Mountain

Moderate

3.5

(9)

80

riders

Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, Black Mountain

02:33

29.2km

760m

Mountain biking

Mountain bike the moderate 18.1-mile Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, Black Mountain route with 2503 feet of gain in Monte Bello Open Space Prese

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 8.97 km for 120 m

After 13.0 km for 75 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

1.66 km

Picnic Area at Stevens Creek Reservoir

Highlight • Rest Area

This quiet reservoir feeds Stevens Creek and is a trailhead into Fremont Older preserve. Not as crowded as Rancho San Antonio and affords incredible views.

Tip by

9.01 km

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

3

12.7 km

Monte Bello Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

4

13.0 km

Black Mountain forms an open plateau in Monte Bello Open Space preserve with undisturbed views in all directions, from Silicon Valley in the East to the Pacific Ocean in the …

Tip by

5

13.0 km

Black Mountain

Highlight • Summit

Highest point with a view across Palo Alto, Stanford, the Silicon Valley, and across the Bay. Note the Kaiser Permanente limestone quarry right below, ringed on the south by Permanente …

Tip by

6

13.9 km

Black Mountain Backpacking Camp

Highlight • Rest Area

A small hike/bike-in campground with a vault toilet and (non-portable) water. You can oversee the lights of Bay Area at night and wake up above the cloud in the morning. …

Tip by

7

16.8 km

This 3,436-acre expanse offers a vibrant tapestry of nature, just waiting to be explored. Millennia before Silicon Valley sprouted, Monte Bello Ridge and Black Mountain stood sentinel over the Santa …

Tip by

8

20.0 km

Stevens Creek crossing

Highlight • Other

Canyon Trail crosses Stevens Creek here. Flow is normally low, but waters might be high during wet winters.

Tip by

B

29.2 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.6 km

7.43 km

2.76 km

443 m

Surfaces

18.5 km

8.04 km

2.11 km

468 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (850 m)

Lowest point (170 m)

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Weather

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Today

Thursday 7 May

23°C

10°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, Black Mountain route?

Parking is available at the Picnic Area at Stevens Creek Reservoir, which is a convenient starting point for this route.

Are dogs allowed on this mountain biking route?

Dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check the latest regulations on the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website before your visit.

What is the best time of year to mountain bike this trail?

The trail is generally usable even during wet winters, suggesting it holds up well. However, for the best experience with clear views and comfortable temperatures, spring and fall are ideal. Summer can be hot, and some sections might be dusty.

Do I need a permit or is there an entrance fee for Monte Bello Open Space Preserve?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the trails within the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. It is free and open to the public.

What is the terrain like on the Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, Black Mountain route?

The route primarily follows fire/access roads. Expect a steady, strenuous 12% gradient over approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) as it climbs between Stevens Canyon Trail and Black Mountain (849m). The surface is relatively stable, even in wet conditions.

What kind of views can I expect along the route?

Riders can expect open grassland with good views throughout the climb, especially as you ascend towards Black Mountain. The route offers scenic overlooks of the surrounding area.

Does this route intersect with other well-known paths?

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. You'll ride along Stevens Canyon Rd, Canyon Trail, Monte Bello Road (Trail), and Indian Creek Trail.

Is this route suitable for beginner mountain bikers?

Given the 'moderate' difficulty rating and the 'steady, strenuous 12% gradient' climb, this route might be challenging for absolute beginners. Riders should have a reasonable level of fitness and some mountain biking experience.

Are there any facilities or places to rest along the way?

The route passes by the Picnic Area at Stevens Creek Reservoir near the start. Further along, you'll find the Black Mountain Backpacking Camp, which could offer a spot for a break, though it's primarily for campers.

What are the key highlights or landmarks on this route?

Key highlights include the Picnic Area at Stevens Creek Reservoir, the expansive Monte Bello Nature Preserve, and the summit of Black Mountain (849m), which offers great views.

Is there water available on the trail?

It's always best to carry sufficient water for your entire ride, as reliable water sources directly on the trail can be limited. Check the facilities at the Picnic Area at Stevens Creek Reservoir before you start.

Nearby routes

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4.0

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Canyon Trail, Indian Creek, Black Mountain

02:33h

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