Introduction:

Where? : Very large park located south of Page Mill Road not far from hwy 35.

What? : This park spread over the deep canyon section of the Stevens creek (running water in the winter), covered with an old forest and the relatively open mountain section of Black Mountain. It has several dirt roads good for walking and mountain biking but most of them include downhill and steep climbs.

When? : Recommending to hike at winter day, visiting Black Mountain at clear day so we can enjoy the view.

The visit:

There are few hiking options starting from the parking lot.

Probably the best one is the following 3 miles trail: from the parking lot go down on Stevens Creek Nature Trail that flow the creek. Go up left and connect to Canyon Trail. From there you will go back to the parking lot, pass the small Sag Pond (on you right) and turn left into the connector trail that will lead you back to the parking lot.

You can also hike to Black mountain viewpoint.

This is a steep 1.5 miles climb all the way to the mountaintop, you can climbe in one trail and go down using another one.

The view from the top of Black Mountain to Stevens Creek canyon at the south is very nice and justify the long climb.

Deu note: after heavy rain make sure trail is not close mid-way at the stream crossing!

Another hike/bike option: You can go down on Canyon trail all the way to the Stevens Creek Canyon road (no car parking is allowed over there)

My thoughts: I really like this park, both for hiking or biking, not so crowded, good for rainy day trip in the forest or summer day climbe to black mountain and enjoying the view.

Extra large bike loop trip: Park at Stevens Creek lake, go up Montebello Rd., climb all the way up the 3 miles winding road to Vidovich Vineyards. From the end of the road get into Black Mountain. Ride the Monte Bello Ridge dirt road. Keep on the Monte Bello Ridge dirt road all the way to Page Mill Rd. (main road). Turn left on the road until reaching the Canyon Trail entrance. Take Canyon trail all the way to Stevens Creek Canyon Road, from here you ride all the way to the lake where you parked the car.