General Information

User Groups:

Hikers. No dogs or horses allowed.

Subjective Trail Rating for Beauty and Difficulty:

This is a walk that initially drops down to the creek and then follows it up along its canyon. The trail is well maintained and any steep sections are of short duration. After reaching the highpoint of the hike, the return trail is broad and easy. Because the park is not well known for its hiking trails, the walk is usually quiet and peaceful - just the thing to recharge one's batteries.

Permits:

No permits are required. Access is free and unless a wedding is being held, there is ample parking in one of the three parking lots.

Directions:

Take the Highway 9 exit off Highway 17. Turn west on Highway 9 towards the town of Saratoga.. Montalvo road will be on the left side of Highway 9 and is about 0.4 of mile before the town of Saratoga. Make the left turn on Montalvo and follow it through Montalvo Estates. It will finally take you through the gates to the Villa and up a one way road to the parking lots.

Maps:

For a free trail map, contact the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department. A USGS map should not be required for this hike. Note: As of this time, the map distributed by the park service shows some trails that no longer exist. A more accurate map can be obtained at the office located in the Villa.

Who to contact:

County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department 298 Garden Hill Drive Los Gatos, CA 95030. (Tel) 408-358-3741. The park staff at Villa Montalvo can be reached at 408-867-0190.