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Hike along the old Overlook road that provide provides sweeping views of the South Bay.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

Point to Point

1,309' 399 m

High

1,139' 347 m

Low

183' 56 m

Up

89' 27 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

El Sereno Open Space Preserve is open daily from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. There is no parking at the end of the trail along Overlook Drive. Parking at the start of the trail is by permit only (the gate is locked) and a permit is required to gain access. Permits can be applied for here: review-midpen-open-space.pa…

Need to Know

There are no services along this trail, so make sure to bring the water and sunscreen that you need for the trip.

Parking along the road on either side of this trail is prohibited as it is all private property.

Description

The Overlook Trail starts from a small, permit only parking lot at the end of Overlook Drive. Follow the instructions from the Mid Penn permit form to get to the parking area otherwise you'll end up on the other side of the preserve where there is no parking for this trail as it is all private property.

The trail departs from the parking area on a double wide dirt and gravel trail that winds gently uphill through the woods. On the left hand side of the trail, views of the South Bay and Silicon Valley appear in openings in the trees. On clear days, you can see for miles.

Right before you get to the high point of the trail, there is a pull out on the left hand side that allows everyone to take a break and for you to enjoy the views on a clear day. The trail continues its climb until the six tenths w a mile mark where things start to descend through the woods for about two tenths of a mile. Then the trail levels off as it approaches the other end of Overlook Drive.

The trail follows the road for a short distance and emerges at a preserve gate near some private residences. From here, you need to turn around and retrace your steps back to your car, as there are no trails or roads connecting this part of the preserve with where you parked your car.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Saratoga

#31171

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Saratoga

#3,505

in California

#31,171

Overall
7 Views Last Month
148 Since Dec 28, 2020
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Photos

Views of Silicon Valley, including Apple Park, appear off the left side of the trail.
Dec 28, 2020 near Monte S…, CA
Views of the South Bay, including San Jose, appear from a viewpoint on the left hand side of the trail.
Dec 28, 2020 near Monte S…, CA
The trail climbs gently along the hillside.
Dec 28, 2020 near Monte S…, CA
The trail as it minds its way up through El Sereno Open Space Preserve.
Dec 28, 2020 near Monte S…, CA

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