FAQs

Most preserves are open 365 days per year, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. However, you should always check trail conditions and preserve pages before leaving home to stay up-to-date on opening hours, regulations and potential temporary closures.

If you want to experience the preserves at night, we periodically offer guided night hikes—check our events calendar for upcoming activities.

Of course! Bring your camera to capture the sights and sounds, plus a few family memories. Keep an eye out for our annual photo contest and share your photos with us!

If your filming or photography uses more than a single camera (still, motion picture, video, digital or other) and film equipment, lighting, props or other similar materials, you will have to apply for a permit.

The use of drones is not permitted.

While many preserves and trails allow dogs on leashes, some do not. You can find specific dog access information here or on a preserve webpage.

The Black Mountain Backpack Camp in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve is the only campsite on Midpen lands. A reservation and permit are required. Camping is otherwise not permitted in Midpen preserves.

Our Find a Preserve webpage can help you choose an outing based on your ideal preserve, location, activity or use. Individual preserve webpages can provide further details about suggested hikes, historical info, maps, directions and more.

Looking for a more general overview? Our Preserve Guide contains information about all 25 of Midpen’s open spaces, including details such as maps, history and flora and fauna.

For more information on hiking, biking and equestrian trails, check out our preserve maps and Trail Explorer tool.

You can also find free, expert-led activities at various preserves on our events calendar.

Midpen has both digital and physical maps available for use in our preserves. Midpen maps can be downloaded for free from within the Avenza Maps app or from the preserve maps on our website. You can also access preserve maps and information through the OuterSpatial app.

Additionally, trail maps are available for free at information boards in the preserve parking area or main trailhead. Help us recycle and return trail maps to the information board when you leave.

As a new or aspiring hiker, there are a few things you need to know before hitting the trail. Even if you are an experienced adventurer visiting our preserves, it is always important to be prepared and safe. Watch our video for tips on getting started and making any adventure go smoothly!

Many of our preserves offer hikes and activities that are well suited to children of varying age, enthusiasm and energy levels. Learn more about our activities for families and kids here.

Consider visiting a Midpen preserve early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the animals are more active. Keep your eyes and ears open...you never know what you might experience! While you might not always see wildlife, you can always find signs of their presence—such as nests, tracks, rubbings and scat.

When viewing wildlife, please keep two things in mind: wildlife can be unpredictable, and we want to keep wildlife wild. Be respectful and keep your distance. The animals you may encounter are not captive in a zoo—these animals are in their natural habitat and behave accordingly. You can review our wildlife safety guidelines here.

Yes, group activities are allowed. However, groups of 20 or more visitors require a no-fee permit, whether formally organized or not. Permit applications should be made at least two (2) weekdays in advance. More information about obtaining a permit is available on our website.

A large group/event permit is required for any event attended by 50 or more people. Permit applications must be made at least six (6) weeks in advance, in writing. A certificate of insurance and endorsement are required even if no fee is charged.

​​​​​​There are no fees for entry or parking. 

Parking spaces may not be available during peak visitation times. Many preserves are popular during certain months of the year, times of the day and holiday weekends.

Smaller parking lots at certain preserves require a permit to park. You can reserve a free permit on our website.

Please only park in authorized spots.

Be aware that cell service is very sporadic on the preserves. There is no WiFi. Plan ahead before you leave: check regulations and weather, download a free map (the Avenza Maps app allows you to see your offline location if downloaded in advance), pack water and first aid and share your plan with someone.

Restrooms are available at some preserves, but not all. Check a preserve map to see where you can find a restroom and plan accordingly.

Drinking water is not available at Midpen preserves. Bring plenty of water for you, your guests and your pets and carry it with you during your activity.

For hiking, it is recommended that you drink 0.5–1 liters per hour depending on the length, intensity and forecast for your hike.

There are no trash cans. Midpen adheres to a Leave No Trace ethic, so be prepared to pack out everything that you bring in. Leave nature as you found it, and respect plants and wildlife.

If you experience an emergency (fire, accident or other immediate threat to life or property), call 911.

For non-emergencies, call 650-691-1200.

Our Preserve Guide overviews all 25 of Midpen’s open spaces, including detailed information about each preserve such as maps, trails, history and wildlife.

While in the preserves, keep an eye out for our rangers. They are always happy to share interesting information about the preserves.

Midpen also offers a variety of free docent-guided hikes and activities at many of our preserves. Visit our events calendar to find an activity that sounds interesting to you!

To effectively manage over 70,000 acres of open space lands, Midpen relies heavily on feedback from the public we serve. You can submit your comments here.

If you participated in one of our free docent-led activities, please rate your activity here.