Tarantulas at Twilight

Hike or Bike at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve in the South Bay

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking scenery at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

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.

Man hiking a trail at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

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

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  3. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View
  4. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simp

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Yes, Seattle!

    Ready to try something new this winter? Seattle’s ready for you! Beautiful by nature with its Puget Sound setting, surrounding mountains, and nearby national parks, winter in Seattle can be a magical and festive time. Ever been in a hot tub boat?...

    View
  3. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  4. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View