First French Hike & Camping Night in the Bay Area

Get ready for an unforgettable French-speaking adventure in nature! Led by Thomas Célérier, our favorite nature guide and hike leader, this is the Alliance’s very first bilingual hike followed by an overnight camping experience at Black Mountain Backpack Camp, nestled in the heart of the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.

🗓 Date & Time

• Saturday evening: Meet at the Monte Bello parking lot at 4:30 PM (for a departure at 5:00 PM)
• Hike 1.5 miles to the campsite together
• Set up camp, share a friendly dinner, and enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars
• Sunday morning: Pack up and head back to the parking lot, arriving around 10:00 AM

📍 Location: Black Mountain Backpack Camp Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

About Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
Monte Bello, meaning “Beautiful Mountain,” spans over 3,400 acres of grasslands, oak woodlands, and lush creekside forests. Located along the upper Stevens Creek watershed, it offers one of the richest ecosystems in the region. From panoramic views atop Black Mountain (elevation: 2,812 ft) to peaceful shaded trails like the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, it’s a natural playground just an hour from the city.

💰 Participation Fee

• $20 per adult (Fees help cover the reservation. All other gear and food are the responsibility of participants.)
• Free for children and all ages welcome
• Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian

⛺ Camping & Gear

• Each tent site accommodates up to 4 people
• Participants must bring and set up their own camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
• Toilets and outdoor showers are available at the campsite
• There are no electrical outlets — please charge your phone in advance or bring a portable power bank
• No fires are permitted. To cook or warm food, bring a camping gas burner
• Water on site is not drinkable — bring enough potable water for the entire trip or your water purification gear

🍽️ Meals
Each participant is responsible for their own snacks, dinner, breakfast and beverages. A potluck-style dinner is encouraged for those who’d like to share a dish with others.

Come for the hike — stay for the memories.Let’s explore the wild… en français! 

Waiver & Guidelines

All participants must sign this waiver. Please respect all park rules and safety regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.