Spending time outdoors with your children is a great way to enjoy discoveries of nature. Many of the District ’s preserves offer easy to moderate hikes that are well suited to children of varying ages, enthusiasm, and energy levels. Here are some suggested preserves to visit:

Monte Bello Open Space Preserve – Stevens Creek Nature Trail
The trail is a 3-mile loop and takes about 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Beginning at the parking lot, the route descends 450 feet into the headwaters of Stevens Creek and returns along the San Andreas Fault. Interpretive signs provide insights to the wonders around you.

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve – Alpine Pond/Daniels Nature Center
An easy access ½-mile trail around Alpine Pond provides an opportunity to experience pond life up close as you observe signs of wildlife, busy dragonflies, stands of cattails, and peaceful views. Stop in and explore the delightful Daniels Nature Center, open on weekends spring to fall, and enhance your visit with educational displays. If your young hikers are eager to venture further, try hiking a 1.5-mile loop of the Ridge Trail from Alpine Pond to take in several plant communities – oak woodland, chaparral, and grassland.

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve – Horseshoe Lake
Hug the shore as you hike on a 1-mile loop around this year-round pond. Children love to discover what lives near water and imagine what they cannot see. Take time to picnic at the tables that overlook the lake in the shade of majestic oak trees.