San Francisco Bay Area Hiking: Villa Montalvo

Nestled in the hills of the quaint yet luxurious town of Saratoga is Villa Montalvo, a stunning performing arts center. In the hills behind this grand building and the landscaped grounds surrounding it, you will find a few miles of trails with incredible views of Silicon Valley. 

This hike is located in the “South Bay” of the San Francisco Bay Area, just 20 mins from downtown San Jose. While it is a short drive, it feels like another world! In the beginning of the hike you are surrounded by deciduous trees and shrubs. After about halfway, you will be in a forest of redwoods! I love the various landscapes on this hike. It feels like a true getaway from the bustling cities of the Bay Area.

Hiking trail surrounded by trees and shrubs

Redwood trees surrounding the hiking trail as you near the lookout point

Start by navigating to Villa Montalvo - Lot 4. On the way there, you will turn off the main road and drive up through an amazing neighborhood. There is a black iron gate that is open 8AM-5PM. Go on through and follow the one-way road to the art center. As you approach, there are signs to park at Lot 4. This is the parking lot for hikers as well as the location of the trailhead. 

The route I like to take does a big loop with a small out and back to see the lookout point. There are lots of signs on this hike with trails clearly marked at each fork. But the best guidance to do this loop is to just stay left. Anytime you are at a fork, stay left until you hit the road. If trail names are your thing, then here are the trail names for the 2 mile loop.

Route for the 2 Mile Loop:

Lookout Trail, out and back on Lookout Point Trail, left on Lookout Trail, left on N Orchard Trail, left on the Creek Trail, you will hit the road and then follow the signs for the trail to take you back to the Montalvo Arts Center. 

Map of the 2-mile hiking trail loop from Apple Watch

From the trailhead, you will start ascending to the main lookout following the signs to the “Lookout Trail”. Right away you will pass this pergola… just a cool thing.

Trailhead and a pergola at the beginning of the hike

You will then start making the climb up to the main look out. And as you do, there will be a few sneak peaks of the incredible view. You will be able to see much more when you make it to the top! 

View as you hike to the main lookout point

After hiking in the redwoods for a bit, you will come to a sign with both Lookout Trail and Lookout Point Trail (I know they are so similar!). Go left to follow the sign that says Lookout Point Trail. This is the out and back trail that takes you to the main lookout. 

Fork in the trail - stay left for the lookout point

Keep hiking up. There are signs to inspire you to enjoy your time hiking in nature! 

Inspirational signs as you make the climb

Before you know it, you will make it to the main lookout! There are a couple benches here so feel free to take a break and enjoy the incredible views of San Jose, the bay, and the surrounding cities and mountains.

View from the lookout point

After enjoying the view, you can start your descent. From here on out, the hike is primarily flat with a gradual decline. Another great thing about this hike is all the shade! I most recently did this hike in early August and was only in the sun for a few minutes of the 1+ hour long hike thanks to all the beautiful trees. 

Shaded hiking trail surround by trees

As you hike, you will continue to stay left to finish the loop passing by creeks, through a dry creek bed, and over bridges. There is a lot to checkout as you walk along the trail. Soon you will see some homes - a sign you are back in civilization and nearly done. 

Hike past a creek, through a dry creek bed, and over a bridge

Follow the small road to the main road where you will see a sign pointing you to a trail that will take you to the Montalvo Arts Center. Just on the other side of this is Parking Lot 4 where you started your journey. You can cross the lawn to head back to your car or stay awhile to explore the grounds of the Montalvo Arts Center and have a picnic on the lawn. 

Montalvo Arts Center

If you are looking for great hiking trails in the San Francisco Bay Area, Villa Montalvo has beautiful hiking trails that can be enjoyed any time of the year!

Helpful to Know: 

• The hiking area at Villa Montalvo is only accessible from 8AM-5PM daily.

• No fee for this hike or the parking! 

• Parking and the trailhead can be found at Parking Lot 4, along with a bathroom. 

• The expansive grass lawn in front of the Montalvo Arts Center makes a great space to relax, have a picnic, or read a book.

• There is poison ivy along the trail so keep a lookout or try not to touch any plants (which is the strategy I try to take). 

• This can be a family friendly hike depending on the age and enthusiasm of said family. The hike starts off with a decent incline but then flattens out. Definitely doable for kids (and adults) if you take breaks!

• Always bring a water bottle!