Mt. El Sombroso via Woods Trail(edit)

based on 27 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#15 hike out of 28 in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve |

DIFFICULT

11.9 mi

Distance

5 hrs 17 min

Time

1,720 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate out and back trail to Mt. El Sombroso in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. The route is not particularly well-traveled so you don't see many people, especially after the Barlow Road Trail turn-off to Mt. Umunhum. The path is entirely on a well maintained, unpaved service road, so other than the climb and distance it's not challenging, but there's enough of both for a nice workout. There's a mixture of wooded and open sections. The open sections are quite warm on summer days but provide views of Mt. Umunhum and the Santa Clara Valley.

Getting Started

There's an unpaved parking lot with about 15 spaces on Mt. Umunhum Road, just after the turnoff from Hicks Road (37.175516,-121.864242). If the lot is full, there's some space along Hicks Road. Maybe better, there's an entrance to Almaden Quicksilver Park just across Hicks Road with another parking area.

Taking Children

Probably not advisable for most children because of the distance and elevation gain.

This is an alternate route for Guadalupe Creek Overlook via Mount Umunhum Trail and Woods Trail.

Sights to See

Mt. El Sombroso

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

Allenb 4 years, 5 months ago

This is a pleasant hike. As of two days ago, the streams were still running and there were a couple of sections where the sound of water created a nice atmosphere. The trail is in great shape, not too dusty. There are some wildflowers in bloom, but not a lot.

★ ★ ★ ★

Jacob 6 years, 1 month ago

Still dry weather and dusty trails. Steep climb along Woods Trail to Mt El Sombroso and back to the Woods Trailhead parking lot. A great workout hike, partially shaded, partially exposed.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★