E-Hills

Hike Elephant Mountain and Ewell Hill at Hidden Villa in the South Bay

02.08.2023

Elephant Mountain and Ewing Hill are two of the Bay Area’s best-kept secrets. This 3.4-mile loop from Hidden Villa offers panoramic views alongside a hands-on farm experience.

From the main parking lot, walk south along the dirt road, then turn left onto the Hostel Trail. A series of switchbacks leads hikers up 500 feet of elevation through a thick, mossy forest before the trees give way to views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. On this section of trail, sharp-eyed hikers may be able to spot robins feasting on their favorite snack: bright red toyon berries.

At the intersection with Toyon Trail, bear left to continue upward to the summit of Elephant Mountain (1,200 feet) marked by two wooden posts. Snap your summit selfie and enjoy the view: on clear days you see San Francisco, the Stanford Dish, and the Diablo Mountain Range.

Continue along the Hostel Trail as it crosses into Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Turn right on Black Mountain Trail and enjoy the views of Silicon Valley to the left and the steep canyons of the Santa Cruz peaks to the right. At Ewing Hill Trail, turn right, then immediately turn right up a short spur trail to reach the high point of the hike, the summit of Ewing Hill (1,250 feet).

Continue down the Ewing Hill Trail as it drops into the lush forest below. During the winter months, this creekside trail is a great place to splash in the water, spot a mini-waterfall, or search for newts. After a half mile of following the creek, the trail curves back to Hidden Villa farm. Before saying goodbye, enjoy a visit with the farm animals or sign up for one of the farm’s many sustainability, cooking, or wildlife classes.

Hidden Villa is located at 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills. From I-280, exit onto El Monte Rd. Turn left onto Moody Rd., and after 1.7 miles, turn left into the park. The park is open Tuesday–Sunday, from 9 a.m. to dusk. A $10 entry fee can be paid at the gate or online. Dogs are allowed on the Hidden Villa farm, but not the hiking trails.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View