REGULAR HOURS: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am – dusk.
General Information:
Guests are asked to pay a $10 parking fee. Your contribution helps us maintain our roads, 8 miles of hiking trails, organic farmland, and educational space. To pay ahead, please follow the button below. Please bring a check or cash to insert in the green ranger box located near the gatehouse.
All are welcome! Please contact us if you are unable to pay the parking fee. We are happy to provide a discount code so you can make a contribution regardless of ability to pay. Please contact [email protected] and we will return your call as promptly as possible. Please know we will not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay.
Hidden Villa Access passes are also available! An Access Pass provides free and unlimited admission to Hidden Villa during open hours from September – May for one year from the date of purchase. When you purchase your access pass, you will be provided a code to waive your reservation fee. Access pass providers are also welcome to visit without making a reservation. You can learn more about access passes on our website.
We ask that visitors be responsible for knowing and obeying all rules and etiquette before visiting, and take care to leave Hidden Villa as beautiful as you found it!
Directions
From the South:
Take Highway 280 North to the El Monte/Moody Road exit in Los Altos. Then take the second ramp to merge onto El Monte Road. Pass Foothills College and turn left on Moody Road for 1.7 miles till you see the Hidden Villa sign on the left. (26870 Moody Road)
From the North:
Take Highway 280 South to the El Monte/Moody Road exit in Los Altos. Then take the first ramp to merge onto El Monte Road. Pass Foothills College and turn left on Moody Road for 1.7 miles till you see the Hidden Villa sign on the left. (26870 Moody Road)
Visitors are asked to park in the Main Parking Lot. Please do not park on Moody Road.
General Safety
Hidden Villa is generally very safe. However, you are entering an environment where there are some naturally occurring hazards. Many of our activities are seasonal, weather-dependent, and variable. You may encounter uneven terrain, rugged or steep trails, wild animals, farm equipment, electrified fences (for the protection of farm animals), and unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. Children under 5, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with heart disease or compromised immune systems should exercise caution while visiting any farm, and all visitors should wash their hands carefully.
Common sense and reasonable caution should be your guide! In addition, please take the following precautions:
- Travel in groups of two or more, so you can assist each other in the event of an accident or emergency. Note that cellular coverage is limited.
- Dress for the environment. Temperature extremes can be experienced and conditions can vary. Make sure to bring layers and check weather conditions.
- Bring water and apply sunscreen. Many areas are exposed to direct sunlight.
- Poison oak and poison hemlock are both found throughout the Bay Area. Learn to identify and avoid these plants in all seasons.
- Beware of Mountain Lions and other predators. These animals play an important role in our ecosystem, but they are powerful and dangerous predators. Hidden Villa and surrounding areas are prime mountain lion habitat, and we have an abundant supply of deer, their preferred prey. Learn more about mountain lions here and Visit the MROSD Wildlife Safety page for more information on what to do if you encounter a rattlesnake, mountain lion, or coyote.
- Stay on designated trails, and check yourself frequently for ticks. If you are bitten by a tick, we recommend getting the tick tested for Lyme and other diseases. Learn more from the Bay Area Lyme Foundation.
Rules & Etiquette
Pack-Out Facility: Please pack out everything you bring to Hidden Villa. Our facility does not provide public trash receptacles and we encourage no-garbage meals and snacks.
Plants and Animals on the Farm: Please do not pick flowers, fruits, or vegetables. These items are grown for our programs and have intended uses. Our farm animals are on special diets and are fed at regular times; please do not feed them. Refrain from chasing the chickens and only handle them with the guidance of a docent.
Wild Plants, Animals, and Natural Objects: All wildlife is protected– please do not disturb any wild plants, animals, or even natural objects you may see. If you are fortunate enough to encounter wildlife during your visit, do not approach, startle, or feed it.
Closed Areas: Please comply with all posted signs that indicate an area is closed. Animal pens are closed to public visitation and should not be entered without a Hidden Villa guide. Trails segments are closed when unexpected hazards arise.
Buildings: Most buildings at Hidden Villa are closed to visitation apart from our programs and rental groups; if you would like to speak with a staff member, you may visit our offices in the Wolken Education Center, Hostel, or the Duveneck House.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome and must be attended and on a leash at all times. They are not allowed on our wilderness trails or in areas with free-ranging chickens. Never leave dogs inside parked cars or tied up and unattended.
Bicycles: Bicycles are welcome at Hidden Villa and may be ridden on the farm, but are not allowed in our wilderness areas due to narrow trails. Helmets are required at all times. Please observe the 5-mph speed limit.
Equestrians: Horses are welcome on the farm and on designated equestrian trails. Helmets are recommended for all equestrians.
Fires: Fires are prohibited at Hidden Villa.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited at Hidden Villa.
Weapons: Weapons of any kind are prohibited at Hidden Villa.
Drones: Drones are not permitted on Hidden Villa property.
Please report any serious injury, safety hazard, or unsafe behavior to Hidden Villa staff.
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (650) 949-8650
Departmental Contacts
Community Supported Agriculture (650) 949-8647 [email protected]
Development/ Donations (650) 949-9702 [email protected]
Finance (650) 949-8650 [email protected]
School Programs for pre-K through 12th Grade (HVEEP) (650) 949-8644 [email protected]
Summer Camp (650) 949-8606 [email protected]
Volunteers (650) 949-6327 [email protected]