White Oak Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

There are no services along the trail, so make sure you have water and snacks for your hike. While a majority of the trail is covered by trees and hidden from the sun, there are a few areas that are open, so you may need sunscreen.

The trail is a narrow, singletrack dirt trail. As the trail descends, there are areas that are rutted out or uneven, so you'll nee to watch your step as you descend. In the creek area, the trail may be wet and slippery.

The trail departs from the Upper White Oak Trail and descends into the heart of Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. At the upper levels of the preserve, there are Oak trees and the undergrowth is dry. After two tenths of a mile, the trail emerges into fields where deer can be seen feeding in the morning and evening, while hawks and turkey vultures can be seen flying above the fields looking for food.

The trail passes by several large California Oak Trees and the views of the surrounding mountains and Stevens Creek watershed are really nice. The trail re-enters the woods just past three tenths of a mile and continues descending via a series of long switchbacks. After three quarters of a mile, the trail comes out of the woods again and you start seeing moss growing on the trees.

Coming in and out of the shade, the trail passes the one mile mark and re-enters the woods for good. You'll notice that the air is cooler and damper in this area compared to where you started. The trail crosses over a bridge at the 1.1 mile mark. Ferns now grow along both sides of the trail as it begins a steady climb up the hillside.

The trail finally arrives at the junction with the Skid Road Trail. You can turn around and work your way back up to where you started, or you can follow the Skid Road Trail to the left and link up with either the Stevens Creek Nature Trail or Canyon Trail to make a long loop back up to the parking areas along Page Mill Road.

Like most of Monte Bello, a variety of wildlife can be seen in the fields and woods. Deer can be seen feeding in the fields in the morning and evening. Squirrels and a variety of birds can be seen in the woods. Hawks and Turkey Vultures can be seen flying over the fields throughout the day. If you look closely, you can see salamanders on the trail, especially if it has rained recently.