The Nature Trail at Villa Montalvo

I needed to get out and stretch my legs, but wanted to stay close to home so I went over to Villa Montalvo to hike up to Lookout Point.

Villa Montalvo located in Saratoga, CA is now called Montalvo Arts Center. The 175 acre property was originally owned by James Duval Phelan (1861-1930), a 3 term Mayor of San Francisco, and later he became a Senator. The house an Historic Landmark was built in 1912.

“At his death, Senator Phelan was explicit in his bequest of Villa Montalvo. “I would like the property at Saratoga, California, known as Villa Montalvo, to be maintained as a public park open under reasonable restrictions, the buildings and grounds immediately surrounding the same to be used as far as possible for the development of art, literature, music, and architecture by promising students.”~ Montalvo Arts Center

Today it offers art courses, performing arts events, gallery exhibitions, educational opportunities, artist residencies and hiking in beautiful woodland trails, or exploring the gardens.

The trail-head from Parking Lot 3-This Pavilion is called The Belvedere is an original structure from the Senator’s days.

At the beginning of the Nature you hike through Oak and Laurel woodlands

Along this part of the Nature Trail there are signs of Spring. Indian Warrior, and White clusters are in bloom.

Soon you begin a steeper ascent and enter the Redwood Forest

…and before you know it you’re at the top at Lookout Point looking over Santa Clara Valley. There was Vog on this morning. It’s only a 1.1 mile hike up to the Lookout Point from the Pavilion. It’s nice to have a beautiful trail close to home to stretch my legs.