Backpacking Across the Peninsula (part 1)

 Pearson–Arastradero Preserve

Follow the trail along Arastradero Creek. Just past Sobey Pond, you’ll begin to feel the upslope carry you westward toward the Bay-to-Ridge Trail. You will access Foothills Park at gate D. A plethora of wildlife call this preserve home. Be careful where you step as rattlesnakes are known for sunning themselves on these slopes.

Foothills Park 

Enter the park through gate D and follow the road down to the Interpretive Center. Fill up your water bottles and take this opportunity to use the restroom. Continue south through the Las Trampas Valley towards the Wildhorse Valley and Towle Campground.

At the end of the fire road, begin the serious ascent of the Costanoa Trail to the well-loved Los Trancos Trail (designated as part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail). Here you’ll get your first glimpses of the Bay sparkling below and can hear cars whiz through the turns on nearby Page Mill Road.

Los Trancos Open Space Preserve

Cross into Los Trancos Open Space Preserve and onto the Page Mill Trail to begin hugging the contours of the hillside whose slope drains into the Los Trancos Creek basin. Keep your eyes peeled for juvenile mountain lions, they’ve been spotted by neighbors in this particular drainage.

After about 2.5 miles you’ll pop out right on Page Mill Road, where you will cross the street into Monte Bello’s gate 3.

Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

Black Mountain was a regular sight from my childhood home and a spot my family frequented. It’s a great place to camp. You’ll enter Monte Bello on the Canyon Trail. After passing by the historic orchard and Sag Pond, you’ll pick up the Bella Vista Trail for the last climb to the Black Mountain Trail Camp at the top. This is where we camped our first night. Take advantage of the campground having water (non-potable so you’ll need a filter), a vault toilet with hand sanitizer and cement rounds to prepare your meals.