Preserves | Sharing the Trails | Access Guidelines | E-mail List

Most of the District’s 220 miles of designated trails are unpaved “wildland” trails in steep, rugged terrain. Approximately 65% of these trails are “multiple use” trails and are open to bicyclists, which is the highest ratio of trails open to bikes among parks and open space in the Bay Area. Many of these trails are also single-track trails, providing bicyclists with a more technical experience.

Please Note: 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. Some trails are subject to seasonal closures, always check trail conditions and refer to signage.

E-bike Policy Evaluation
The Midpen board of directors reviewed e-bike policy options at the public board meeting on November 20, 2019. The board voted unanimously for staff to evaluate and propose a process to implement a one-year pilot program for class 1 e-bikes on select unpaved trails, including regulations enforcement and impacts on natural resources. Staff will also evaluate allowing class 1 and 2 e-bikes on designated paved trails and roads, using a phased approach. Click here to join our bike notification email list to receive updates.

Preserves open to mountain biking

Sixteen open space preserves are open to mountain biking († - all trails; *- designated trails only):

• Coal Creek Open Space Preserve†
• El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve*
  Features 34 miles of multi-use trails, including some steep, technical single-track trails; rugged, heavily forested terrain; redwoods; occasional views to the coast.
• El Sereno Open Space Preserve†
• Fremont Older Open Space Preserve*
  Close to urban areas affording a quick trip after work; features 11 miles of multi-use trails; woodland, chaparral, rolling hayfields, and former orchard; 900-foot Hunters Point; Maisie’s Peak.
• Long Ridge Open Space Preserve*
  South Skyline Area preserves (Long Ridge, Monte Bello, Russian Ridge, Saratoga Gap, and Skyline Ridge) are interconnected affording bicyclists with miles of multi-use trails to explore; grasslands; oak, madrone, and Douglas-fir forests; views of Big Basin Redwoods, Butano Ridge, and the Monterey Peninsula.
• Monte Bello Open Space Preserve*
  Interconnected with four other South Skyline Area Preserves
• Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve*
• Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve*
• Ravenswood Open Space Preserve†
• Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve*
  Interconnected with four other South Skyline Area Preserves
• Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve*
  Interconnected with four other South Skyline Area Preserves
• Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve†
  Features approximately twenty-six miles of multi-use trails; rugged, steep terrain; chaparral-covered slopes; dense stands of bay trees; outstanding views of Santa Clara Valley; 2,999-foot Mt. El Sombroso.
• Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve*
  Interconnected with four other South Skyline Area Preserves
• St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve†
• Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area†
• Windy Hill Open Space Preserve*

Sharing the Trails

The District offers low-intensity recreational use consistent with resource protection and preservation. Many different users are out on the trails exploring open space.

To help make multiple-use trails work, each user should keep in mind the needs of others. Bicyclists should always yield to all other trail users. On wide trails, slow down and pass with care. When encountering equestrians and hikers on narrow trails, make your presence known well in advance, particularly when approaching from behind. Stop and wait for them to pass or signal you through. Yield to other bicyclists traveling uphill.

Access Guidelines

• Helmets: Bicyclists are required to wear helmets, even when riding uphill, that meet the standards of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard for bicycle helmets, or ANSI or Snell-approved bicycle helmets on all District lands. Helmet straps must be securely fastened when riding.
• Speed limits: Control your speed at all times and obey the 15 mph speed limit (5 mph when passing or on blind turns). Racing and reckless riding are strictly prohibited.
• Closed areas/off-trail use: Ride on designated trails only (those shown on District maps for bicycle use). Closed area or off-trail use, including straying off the trail for jumps, “wallrides,” and “woop-d-dos,” is strictly prohibited.
• Electric bikes (e-bikes): Electric powered bicycles are NOT allowed, except for use by individuals with a mobility disability, and only on trails where bicycles are authorized. Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices Policy

Download Bicycle Access Guidelines