BART section #68 and more - El Sereno OSP

Join me on this out-and-back hike which includes a 3.8 mile section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and a 2-mile RT steep climb up the road to get to the trailhead. This secluded open space preserve with panoramic views of the South Bay and Lexington Reservoir is named for Mount El Sereno, a prominent ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains located south of Saratoga and west of Los Gatos. The route features mostly wide and exposed trails, some narrow shaded areas along the creek, a few steep sections with rocky terrain, and sweeping views of the hills, South Bay, and surrounding mountains. (ICYW...El Sereno means serene, calm, quiet - which aptly describes this trail.)

Meet at the corner of Madrone Ave. and Overlook Road in Los Gatos.
(For GPS, use the address 16700 Madrone Ave.) There is ample street parking in this residential area but please be respectful of the neighborhood.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous ≈ 10 mi., 2k ft. elev. gain
(Starts out with a steep climb on residential roads to the trailhead followed by endless gradual switchbacks on Aquinas Trail.)

PACE: +/- 2.8 MPH
ROUTE: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/aquinas-trail
NOTE: The Alltrails route starts at the end of Montevina Road but we are NOT starting there, so please follow the directions posted here.)

COME PREPARED: Dress in layers and carry enough water/food to meet your needs, A hat and hiking poles are recommended.
NOTE: There are no maps, water, or bathroom facilities on this route. Nearest facilities are in downtown Los Gatos.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The Tamien Ohlone and the Muwekma Ohlone were the first indigenous people to live in the area that is now Los Gatos.

OPTIONAL: Post-hike food and adult beverages (TBD)