Tarantulas at Twilight

Embrace the best of the season with big sunset views, up-close tarantula sightings, and a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Sierra Vista Open Space. Amorous male tarantulas can be spotted here September through November as they search for females, and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve is one of their favorite haunts.

From the main parking lot, head south on the Kestrel Trail, then turn right on the Sierra Vista Trail. This rocky path winds through the golden hills and gifts hikers with stunning views of the surrounding Diablo Range.

At the intersection with the Boccardo Loop Trail, turn right. The trail descends toward Silicon Valley, with fantastic vistas of the whole South Bay. On sunset hikes, this section of trail is especially beautiful as the city lights begin to sparkle.

At the next intersection, turn left to begin climbing the steep switchbacks back up the hill. Keep a sharp lookout for desert tarantulas wandering the trails.

At the top of the hill, turn left onto the short spur trail that leads to the lookout point. This is a popular sunset-watching spot, and hikers have a front row seat to a gorgeous palette splashed across the sky and reflected in the San Francisco Bay below.

As the sun dips below the horizon, head back down the spur trail, then retrace the route along the Sierra Vista Trail to the parking lot.

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve is located on Sierra Road in San Jose. Map.

The park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and sunset hikers are allowed to stay 30 minutes past sunset. Bikes are allowed on designated trails. No dogs.

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