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. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View