The following trails may be closed to bicycle and equestrian use during wet conditions.
- Toyon Trail is OPEN to bicyclists and equestrians.
- Wedding Trail is OPEN to bicyclists and equestrians.
Preserve Info
Hiking
Biking
Equestrian
Dogs on Leash
Restrooms
Overview
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.
Bike and Equestrian Access Limited: Activities may not be designated on all trails within the Preserve-- always refer to the map and trail signage for where the activity is permitted.
Midpen preserves are getting a lot of love these days. Our rangers report consistently high visitation as people seek safe, local outdoor spaces for the emotional and physical health benefits that time spent in nature provides.
To avoid crowding and protect each other and the natural environment, here are some tips to know before you go.
Temporary Covid-19 Restrictions
- Face coverings are required when you can’t stay 6 feet away from persons you don’t live with. Many Midpen trails are narrow — wear a mask, bandanna or gaiter you can pull over your mouth and nose as needed.
- Select one-way routes are in effect to promote social distancing.
- Paper maps are not available at preserves. Please download a map before leaving home or snap a photo of the signboard map before you hike.
Gallery
-
mountain bikers
Trails at Fremont Older are a popular route for mountain bikers. Photo by Jack Geischeidt -
trail leading through green hills
Photo by Craig Kuziel -
hiker at Fremont Older
A hiker on the trail at Fremont Older Preserve. Photo by Midpen. -
poppies
California poppies. Photo by Hella Bluhm-Steiber -
dogs hiking at Fremont Older
Dogs on leash are permitted on all trails at Fremont Older Preserve. Photo by Jack Gescheidt
Features
- Here visitors will enjoy open hayfields, Seven Springs Canyon, and Hunters Point, a 900-foot hilltop offering sweeping views of the Santa Clara Valley. To the west are chaparral and oak covered ridges dropping steeply to Stevens Canyon.
How to Get Here
Parking Advisory:
The City of Saratoga has implemented a no parking policy on Rolling Hills Road. Street parking will be permitted on the first 200 feet on the east side of Rolling Hills Road north of Prospect Road.
Please respect preserve neighbors and refrain from smoking and littering. Restroom available at the Prospect Road parking lot at the preserve entrance.
- 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 lot is reached.
Get driving directions:
Trails
There are approximately 14 miles of trails connecting Prospect Road to Regnart Road and Stevens Creek County Park.
Maisie's Peak - The highest peak in the Preserve, Maisie's Peak is named after Maisie Garrod. Maisie and her brother, R.V. Garrod purchased this property in 1910 and used the surrounding land for pasture, orchards, and hay. The land remainded in the Garrod family until 1980 when it was purchased by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. From the Prospect Road parking lot, take the Cora Older Trail, to Seven Springs Loop Trail, to Hayfield Trail, then finally to Coyote Ridge Trail.
Hunters Point - Beginning from the parking lot, take the Cora Older Trail through woods, then continue into the grasslands taking the Hayfield Trail. From there, it's a short climb to Hunters Point which offers a beautiful view of the valley below.
Trail Conditions
This information is updated as needed when trails are opened or closed, or when there is scheduled trail maintenance. Visit the full Trail Conditions page for more information.
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.
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
This video is posted here in its short form.
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
Regulations
- Hours: Open half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed only on designated trails in this Preserve. Must be controlled on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times. Dogs are allowed only in designated preserves or areas as posted. Dog walkers are required to bag and remove all dog waste from the Preserve by packing it out. Moving dog waste off trail is not permitted. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Midpen accommodates service dogs in Preserves wherever we allow public access. For more information visit the Dog Access page.
- Bicycles: Are allowed on designated trails only (those shown on the map for bicycle use). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.
- Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails in this Preserve. Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.
- Groups: For safety reasons, permits are required for all groups of 20 or more people.
- Permits: A use permit is required for any activity or event which: may be attended by twenty (20) or more people; OR is advertised or noticed in any publication, poster, electronic posting or flyer; OR requests/requires a fee be paid for participation. Visit the Permit page for more information.
- Fires: Fires are prohibited in preserves.
- Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
- Weapons: All weapons are prohibited in preserves.
- Plants & Wildlife: Please leave plants and animals 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.
- Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Overview
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.
Bike and Equestrian Access Limited: Activities may not be designated on all trails within the Preserve-- always refer to the map and trail signage for where the activity is permitted.
Midpen preserves are getting a lot of love these days. Our rangers report consistently high visitation as people seek safe, local outdoor spaces for the emotional and physical health benefits that time spent in nature provides.
To avoid crowding and protect each other and the natural environment, here are some tips to know before you go.
Temporary Covid-19 Restrictions
- Face coverings are required when you can’t stay 6 feet away from persons you don’t live with. Many Midpen trails are narrow — wear a mask, bandanna or gaiter you can pull over your mouth and nose as needed.
- Select one-way routes are in effect to promote social distancing.
- Paper maps are not available at preserves. Please download a map before leaving home or snap a photo of the signboard map before you hike.
Features
- Here visitors will enjoy open hayfields, Seven Springs Canyon, and Hunters Point, a 900-foot hilltop offering sweeping views of the Santa Clara Valley. To the west are chaparral and oak covered ridges dropping steeply to Stevens Canyon.
-
Trails at Fremont Older are a popular route for mountain bikers. Photo by Jack Geischeidt
-
Photo by Craig Kuziel
-
A hiker on the trail at Fremont Older Preserve. Photo by Midpen.
-
California poppies. Photo by Hella Bluhm-Steiber
-
Dogs on leash are permitted on all trails at Fremont Older Preserve. Photo by Jack Gescheidt
Parking Advisory:
The City of Saratoga has implemented a no parking policy on Rolling Hills Road. Street parking will be permitted on the first 200 feet on the east side of Rolling Hills Road north of Prospect Road.
Please respect preserve neighbors and refrain from smoking and littering. Restroom available at the Prospect Road parking lot at the preserve entrance.
- 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 lot is reached.
Get driving directions:
Trails
There are approximately 14 miles of trails connecting Prospect Road to Regnart Road and Stevens Creek County Park.
Maisie's Peak - The highest peak in the Preserve, Maisie's Peak is named after Maisie Garrod. Maisie and her brother, R.V. Garrod purchased this property in 1910 and used the surrounding land for pasture, orchards, and hay. The land remainded in the Garrod family until 1980 when it was purchased by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. From the Prospect Road parking lot, take the Cora Older Trail, to Seven Springs Loop Trail, to Hayfield Trail, then finally to Coyote Ridge Trail.
Hunters Point - Beginning from the parking lot, take the Cora Older Trail through woods, then continue into the grasslands taking the Hayfield Trail. From there, it's a short climb to Hunters Point which offers a beautiful view of the valley below.
Trail Conditions
This information is updated as needed when trails are opened or closed, or when there is scheduled trail maintenance. Visit the full Trail Conditions page for more information.
The following trails may be closed to bicycle and equestrian use during wet conditions.
- Toyon Trail is OPEN to bicyclists and equestrians.
- Wedding Trail is OPEN to bicyclists and equestrians.
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.
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
This video is posted here in its short form.
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
- Hours: Open half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed only on designated trails in this Preserve. Must be controlled on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times. Dogs are allowed only in designated preserves or areas as posted. Dog walkers are required to bag and remove all dog waste from the Preserve by packing it out. Moving dog waste off trail is not permitted. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Midpen accommodates service dogs in Preserves wherever we allow public access. For more information visit the Dog Access page.
- Bicycles: Are allowed on designated trails only (those shown on the map for bicycle use). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.
- Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails in this Preserve. Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.
- Groups: For safety reasons, permits are required for all groups of 20 or more people.
- Permits: A use permit is required for any activity or event which: may be attended by twenty (20) or more people; OR is advertised or noticed in any publication, poster, electronic posting or flyer; OR requests/requires a fee be paid for participation. Visit the Permit page for more information.
- Fires: Fires are prohibited in preserves.
- Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
- Weapons: All weapons are prohibited in preserves.
- Plants & Wildlife: Please leave plants and animals 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.
- Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Preserve Info
Hiking
Biking
Equestrian
Dogs on Leash
Restrooms
Hours
Preserves are open from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official sunset.
Preserve Activities
There are no events scheduled at this preserve currently.