Dragon Mountain Milpitas: My Experience Hiking Thien Long Son in 2026
Hiking Dragon Mountain Milpitas was one of the most peaceful things Waseem and I did around the South Bay, and it didn’t cost a thing. In case you haven’t heard of it, Dragon Mountain Milpitas, also known as Thien Long Son, is a hillside Buddhist temple complex near Ed Levin County Park. It has giant statues, picnic spots, and a long staircase that leads to a huge lone tree with views over the bay.
In this quick guide, I’ll share our sunset visit and give you simple tips on hours, parking, and what to wear, so you know exactly what to expect.
Short on time? Here’s the quick version. As of January 2026, Dragon Mountain Milpitas is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Parking is free. The climb is about 400 paved steps, and it took us an hour with lots of photo stops. In my opinion, sunset is the best time to go.
Short on Time? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels Near Dragon Mountain Milpitas
⭐️⭐️⭐️Holiday Inn & Suites Silicon Valley Milpitas – Click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️Best Western Plus Brookside Inn – Click here for rates and availability
⭐️Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley- Click here for rates and availability
My Dragon Mountain Milpitas Hike: Our Experience
I like to start my guides with what a place was really like. I think it gives you a better idea than a dry list of tips.
Waseem and I went on a Tuesday in October. We picked a weekday on purpose, because we thought it would be quieter. We had just finished a late lunch, so we were full and in no rush. We got there around 5pm, parked in the free parking, and started up the stairs.
The first stretch is easy. After a short climb, you reach the main gathering area. This part has giant Buddhist statues, a prayer and offering area, and lots of picnic tables and little huts. It felt calm and a little magical, like we had left the Bay Area for a bit.
From there, you can keep climbing to the summit. This is the second section, and some parts are steep. I took my time and stopped every few minutes for photos, so the Dragon Mountain Milpitas hike took us about an hour. That’s on me. You could easily do it faster.
At the top, you get panoramic views of the South Bay and a very peaceful feel around the temple. The star of the show is a huge tree strung with solar lights. It looks so romantic when it’s lit up, and it’s a great sunset date idea.
We headed down just before 6:30pm, right around sunset. We wanted to be at the bottom before it got too dark. As we walked down, the solar lights slowly came on along the path. When we were halfway down, we looked back up and saw the tree glowing above us. It was so pretty that we stopped to stare for a while.
It wasn’t quiet up there, but it never felt crowded. We saw couples, friend groups, and even a big family in Halloween costumes celebrating together. We also saw people running the stairs for a workout. One more thing: the temple hall was locked when we went, so we couldn’t go inside. It still looked great from the outside.
It also got windy out of nowhere around sunset. I was so glad I had my corduroy jacket on the way down.
What to Bring for the Dragon Mountain Milpitas Hike
Water. Bring your own drinking water. We skipped it because we had just eaten, but I wouldn’t count on that. It’s not easy to refill on the way up.
Modest clothes. This is temple ground, so cover your shoulders and knees. We both wore regular jeans and a t-shirt, and that was fine.
A light jacket. It can get windy around sunset, depending on the weather. My corduroy jacket made the walk down much nicer.
Comfy shoes. The whole trail is paved stairs, so you don’t need hiking boots. Regular sneakers are perfect. I went in flats which I wouldn’t recommend but just know you can.
Your phone or camera. The views and the glowing tree are worth it. A phone flashlight is also handy if you head down as it gets dark.
Don’t overpack. The hike is short, and a heavy bag will only slow you down. Water, a jacket, and a camera are plenty. Restrooms are about halfway up, near the temple, so you won’t need to hold it.
The Best Time to Visit Dragon Mountain Milpitas
I’ve heard people say mornings are lovely, but we really liked sunset. You get golden light, a cooler walk, and the solar lights coming on as you head down. Just remember the hours run from sunrise to sunset, so plan to start by late afternoon and be heading down as the sun sets.
As for the season, I’d go in Spring. The grass is lush and green then, and it looks so much better in photos. When we went in October, there was a little fall color, but mostly dry grass. The views and the lights made up for it, though.
A weekday is also smart. Even on a Tuesday there were plenty of people, so a weekend will likely be busier.
Dragon Mountain Milpitas Parking and How to Get There
The address is 3215 Calaveras Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035. Parking at Dragon Mountain Milpitas is free, and there are a few ways to do it. Here is the exact Google Location.
Option 1: Park at the base and take the stairs. This is the Stairway to Heaven Milpitas is known for. Drive down Calaveras Road until you see a huge boat in a parking lot on the right. That’s your sign you’re in the right place. The stairs are right by the lot. When we first arrived, we passed a parking sign in a separate area. It’s probably extra parking if the main lot is full, so keep going until you see the boat.
Option 2: Take the hiking trail. If you’d rather hike around the mountain instead of the stairs, take the first right into the parking lot once you turn onto Calaveras Road. You can even make a loop by going up one way and coming down the other.
Option 3: Drive to the top. You can drive all the way up and possibly park near the temple, which is handy if you’re dropping off someone older. Just know that space is limited, and some people ignore the “No Parking” signs. You’ll still walk a bit from there, and it’s still worth it.
Both lots at the bottom are small, so go early if you’re visiting on a weekend.
Is Dragon Mountain Milpitas Open to the Public? Hours and Access
This is the question I see most, so here’s the straight answer. As of January 2026, Thien Long Son is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Those Dragon Mountain Milpitas hours are the same every day as far as I know, but they can change, so double check before you go.
I’ll be honest about one thing. The official website describes the property as a private monastery. That means we’re guests here, and it’s a kindness that they welcome visitors. Please treat it with respect.
A few easy ways to do that. Cover your shoulders and knees, and keep your voice low near the temple areas. I’ve also heard they don’t accept cash donations, but you can leave water for others to pay it forward which I think is so thoughtful and kind. They offer a free meal on Sundays. I haven’t confirmed this myself, so check their official info if that matters for your trip.
Is Hiking Dragon Mountain Milpitas Hard? My Honest Take
Honestly, not really. The trail is all paved stairs, which makes the climb straightforward. Since Waseem and I hike a lot, we’d call it beginner friendly.
That said, don’t underestimate the elevation. Some parts are steep, and we saw a few people struggling on the way up. The good news is there are plenty of benches and stools along the path, so you can rest whenever you need.
If stairs aren’t your thing, you can drive closer to the top and only walk the last part. You still get the views and the glowing tree. My main tip is to go at your own pace and don’t rush.
FAQs About Dragon Mountain Milpitas
Is Dragon Mountain Milpitas open to the public?
Yes. As of January 2026, it’s open to the public from sunrise to sunset. It’s run as a private monastery, so please be respectful.
What are the Dragon Mountain Milpitas hours?
Sunrise to sunset. Hours can change, so check before you go.
Where is the Dragon Mountain Milpitas parking?
Free parking is available at the base and near the entrance gate. Look for the huge boat in the lot on Calaveras Road. You can also drive to the top, but space is limited.
How many steps is the Stairway to Heaven Milpitas hike?
About 400. It’s paved and has benches and stools for resting.
Is Thien Long Son Milpitas good for beginners?
Yes, in our opinion. There are no tricky trails, just stairs. Take breaks when you need them.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, around the halfway mark near the temple.
What should I wear to the Thien Long Son Buddhist temple?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and bring a light jacket for wind.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Dragon Mountain Milpitas
I loved our visit to Dragon Mountain Milpitas. It’s free, it’s close, and the views over the South Bay are beautiful. Seeing the lone tree glow with solar lights as we walked down was the best part for me.
The hike is easy, the staircase is paved, and there are places to rest along the way. If you want a simple, memorable sunset date or a quiet escape from the city, I’d totally recommend it. Go in Spring if you want green hills, and go at sunset if you want the lights. Either way, bring water and a jacket, and be kind to the temple grounds.
