Fremont Older Preserve

Overview

Hours

Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.

Located on the urban fringe and extending towards Mt. Eden Road to the south and Stevens Creek County Park to the west, the 739-acre Preserve offers a variety of experiences to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Local visitors will find Fremont Older Open Space Preserve of particular interest because of its proximity and richness in local history.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: Designated Trails

Equestrian: Designated Trails

Dogs on Leash: All Trails

No Easy Access

Parking: Designated Areas

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Available

Download Map Trail Closures

Parking Area Improvements Project Meeting - January 14, 2026

Midpen's board of directors will meet on January 14, 2026 at 7 p.m. and view proposed improvements for the main parking area at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, located on Prospect Road. The project aims to provide enhanced ADA parking and trailhead amenities while considering opportunities to formalize the existing lot to enhance visitor safety and experience.

Meeting Agenda Available Thursday, January 8

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Know Before You Go

Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife.

Share the Trail

Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury.
Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .
Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians.
Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited.
Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200.

Prospect Parking Area (21 spaces): Parking is located off of Prospect Road in Saratoga. Exit Highway 85 at De Anza Boulevard. (From northbound 85 turn left on De Anza Blvd. and from southbound 85 turn right on De Anza Blvd.) Travel on De Anza Blvd. (towards the mountains) about 0.5 miles. Turn right on Prospect Rd. At the first stop sign, turn left and cross the railroad tracks to remain on Prospect Rd. Follow Prospect Rd. for 1.3 miles, turning left after the Saratoga Country Club, until the preserve parking area is reached.

Additional parking is located in Stevens Creek County Park which is adjacent to Fremont Older.

Regnart Roadside Parking (2 spaces)

Bicyclists: Bicycles are allowed on designated trails only (marked on map). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). E-bikes are not allowed on most Midpen trails. Avoid startling hikers and equestrians by announcing your presence when approaching from behind. For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed only on designated trails in this preserve (marked on map) and must be controlled on a 6-foot or less leash. Self-retracting leashes are allowed with a maximum extended length of 25 feet. Extended leashes must be locked at 6’ when in the presence of other visitors. Visitors may have no more than three dogs per person. Bag dog waste and take it with you. Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access. For more information visit the Dog Access page.

Drones and Model Aircraft: Drones, model airplanes and model rockets are NOT allowed.

Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails (marked on map). Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.

Fires are prohibited in preserves.
Plants & Wildlife: Please leave undisturbed. If you encounter wildlife during a visit, do not approach, startle or feed it. Although wild animals are generally fearful of humans and will run away, some wildlife can be dangerous.
Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Weapons are prohibited in preserves.

Midpen trails and facilities are generally very safe. However, you are entering an environment where there are some naturally occurring hazards. Reasonable caution and common sense should be utilized when venturing into any outdoor environment.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle! Lock your vehicle and store valuables out of sight or take them with you on the trail.
Travel in groups of two or more. Two of more people can assist each other in the event of an accident or emergency.
Dress for the environment. Temperature changes can be occur and you should dress in layers appropriate for the location, time of year and planned activities.
Carry water with you. Drinking water is not available at most Midpen preserves so you should bring your own. Two quarts per person per two hour hike is recommended.
Apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water prior to and during your outdoor activities.
Be aware that cell service is very sporadic on the preserves.

Be Prepared and Aware

Plan ahead before you leave. Check regulations and weather, download a map, pack water and first aid.
Know your limits and take safety precautions.
Rattlesnakes are native to this area and are especially active in warm weather.
Poison oak grows on most preserves: Learn to identify and avoid it in all seasons.
Ticks are present in this area and may carry diseases.
Mountain lions are a natural part of this region’s environment and are occasionally seen.

In Case of Emergency

If you experience an emergency (fire, accident or other immediate threat to life or property), call 911. For non-emergencies, call 650-691-1200.

History

The Preserve is named for Fremont Older, a noted San Francisco newspaper editor who, together with wife Cora, owned a portion of the Preserve for 60 years. Their home known as "Woodhills", once a gathering place for personalities of the day, has been leased to a private party and restored. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house and garden are not open to the public. While tours of the property have been offered in the past, there are no upcoming plans for tours at this time.

In 1975, Midpen purchased the property and the house was scheduled for demolition. Mort and Elaine Levine, local newspaper publishers, wanted to see the journalistic legacy of Fremont Older and "Woodhills" preserved. The District Board voted and approved a long-term lease with the Levines who absorbed the cost of the home’s restoration, which was completed in 1979. The Levine family still lives at "Woodhills."

Preserving Woodhills

Produced by Midpeninsula Media Center, May 2011

The full length version is available to the public at the following locations:
• Oral History and Community Memory Archive, CSU Monterey Bay • California History Center, De Anza College • Saratoga Historical Foundation • Cupertino Historical Society • California Room, San Jose State University Library

Language:

Fremont Older Preserve

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