Bay Area Coastal Adventures - Black Mountain Backpacking
February 21, 2026 @ 2:00PM — February 22, 2026 @ 12:00PM Pacific Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Monte Bello Preserve: 4301 Page Mill Rd Los Altos, CA 94028 Get Directions
Join us for Backpacking on Black Mountain - Monte Bello Open Space Preserve!
Join us for an unforgettable overnight backpacking trip at Black Mountain in the stunning Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. If you’ve always wanted to sleep under the stars but didn't know where to start, this is for you! We’ve removed every barrier to the backcountry: all professional gear, meals, and expert guidance are provided at no cost to your family. We've got it all covered with high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and all gear required. Just bring your curiosity and a spirit of adventure—we’ll provide the tools and the trail to help you become a confident backcountry explorer!
Meeting Spot & Directions
- Location: Monte Bello Preserve Parking Lot
- Address: 4301 Page Mill Rd Los Altos CA 94028
- Restrooms: Port-o-Potties
What to Expect on the Trail:
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 705 ft.
- Type: Out and Back
- Map Links: We suggest reviewing the location and trail before you arrive:
- All Trails Map (Hike Route)
- Preserve Map
What Saved By Nature Provides
We want to make backpacking accessible! We provide all the heavy lifting and essential gear:
- Full Camping Kit: Backpack, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, stove, propane, and lantern.
- Dining Essentials: Utensils and water for cooking.
- Safety & Hygiene: Group first aid kit, extra water, toilet paper, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
- Meals: All meals are included! We serve high-quality freeze-dried meals (e.g., Itacate or Mountain House).
- Vegetarian options are available.
- We’ll even show you different backpacking cooking methods!
Your Packing List
To keep your pack light and comfortable, please only bring the following:
- Clothing: * Warm layers for nighttime (sweater, jacket, beanie).
- Clothes for the next day (don't forget fresh underwear and socks!).
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip.
- Toiletries (Store in a Ziploc bag): Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any personal wipes.
- Health: Personal medications (e.g., motion sickness patches/pills).
- Sleep: A small travel pillow (please avoid bringing full-sized bed pillows).
- Lighting: Flashlight or headlamp (if you have one).
- Fuel: Personal snacks (trail mix, jerky, bars).
- Water: Reusable water bottle (we'll have extra water).
Important Rules & Stewardship
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no trash cans at the campground. You are responsible for packing out all of your own personal trash.
- No Campfires: To protect the preserve, wood-burning and charcoal fires are strictly prohibited. We will use gas-powered stoves for all cooking.
- Gear Checkout: Once you register, look for an email with a link to the Gear Checkout List to finalize your preparations.
- NOTE: We ask that you do not bring any of your own backpacking/camping gear, as all materials will be provided.