Looking south from the Monte Bello Preserve parking lot, you see almost no signs of civilization, just nature spreading out in front of you. The first part of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, which can accommodate a wide array of physical abilities, takes you to a dramatic vista point and bench to sit and soak in the expansive rolling hills and oak woodlands of Stevens Creek Canyon, with the peaks of Mt. Umunhum and Loma Prieta in the distance. You are at the headwaters of Stevens Creek – here begins its 21-mile journey down the watershed, flowing into Stevens Creek Reservoir and then out to San Francisco Bay.

In total, the 3-mile loop of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail takes about three hours at a leisurely pace. From the bench, the trail descends 450 feet into a forested canyon to Stevens Creek itself and then continues along the creek before looping back and returning along the San Andreas Fault (on the Canyon Trail). Along the way, interpretive signs provide insights into the wonders around you.

You can visit our website for more photos and video clips of water wonders along the trail.