Deer Hollow Farm

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Animals can be seen between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Deer Hollow Farm is a working homestead and educational center located in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. A one-mile walk from the main County parking lot leads to the historic 10-acre farm. The 3,800-acre Preserve is owned and operated by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The City of Mountain View Recreation Division manages the Farm programs.

Deer Hollow Farm is an educational center where visitors, school classes, and community groups can observe and participate in a working farm. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour to learn about the history of Deer Hollow Farm and view the livestock at their leisure. Please note that the pens and buildings are closed to the general public. The open air historic hay barn at the north end of the farm has many picnic tables for public use. Be prepared to remove all garbage as there are no trash cans at the Farm or in the Preserve.

Please visit the Friends of Deer Hollow Farm (FODHF) web site for more information about events for visitors, such as Spring Farm Tours, Annual Ohlone Day, and FODHF Merchandise Days. Help support Deer Hollow Farm: farm fresh eggs and seasonal orchard produce are available for sale when available.

Farm Tours

The Deer Hollow Farm Nature Center, housed in the old apple shed (one of the original buildings from the 1850s), is open to the general public on mornings of the third Saturday of the month. A Friend of Deer Hollow Farm docent is available then to answer questions. The center reflects the diversity of animal and plant life throughout Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and includes hands-on exhibits for children. See the Farm Tours flyer for more information.

School Year Classes

Every year, over 5,000 students participate in the Deer Hollow Farm school year and summer camp programs. Classes are offered to kindergarten through grade 5 students from September through May. Topics include a farm and garden tour, exploring the surrounding wilderness preserve, and learning about the Ohlone Indians in a replica Ohlone Village. School year registration is held annually in September. Email Deer Hollow Farm with your contact information if you would like to be notified of registration details.

Summer Wilderness Camp

The week-long Summer Wilderness Camp encourages children entering grades 1 - 9 to experience the Farm and surrounding wilderness through hands-on fun and group activities. In March, the City of Mountain View Recreation Division releases the Summer Camp schedule in the Summer Activity Guide. Registration for Summer Camp is completed through the City of Mountain View Recreation Department.

Large Groups

Groups of 20 or more persons visiting the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and Deer Hollow Farm are required to obtain a permit well in advance of their visit. Unannounced large groups interfere with Farm activities, classes, and operations. Please call the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at (650) 691-1200 for information about permits.

Deer Hollow Farm is funded by the City of Mountain View, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, and the County of Santa Clara, with support from the Friends of Deer Hollow Farm.

Deer Hollow Farm Contact Information

City of Mountain View Recreation Department
P.O. Box 7540
Mountain View, CA 94039
(650) 903-6430

Great Activities for Kids

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve