people walking on a trail

Where To Go

Many areas of Midpen preserves are open to the public daily, free of charge, providing an extensive trail network for low-impact recreation. Our programming connects people to nature through enriched experiences including environmental interpretation, docent-led activities and volunteer opportunities.  

Preserves are open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset, with sunrise and sunset defined by the US Naval Observatory for coordinates set to Midpen’s Administrative Office in Los Altos, CA. Learn more here.

Discover Your Preserves

At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. Everyone, regardless of background, mental or physical ability, where you come from, what language you speak, how you identify, with whom you associate, is welcome in the public open space preserves Midpen holds in trust for us all.

Get outside and connect with nature. Find an open space where you can walk, hike, ride and more.
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Enjoy Your Preserves

kids looking at a map

New to Open Space?

Open space preserves are generally kept in a natural condition in order to best protect the environment and wildlife habitat, and are developed with only the amenities needed to provide low-intensity recreation. Improvements may include paved or gravel parking areas, vault restrooms, signed trails for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian and dog use and an occasional picnic table.

Find out how to plan a fun and enjoyable visit

Trail Closures

Trail conditions can vary depending on the time of year, the impact of rain and storms, construction and maintenance and other occurrences. Please be aware that trail closures may change from day to day without notice, based on current and predicted weather conditions. During winter storm season high waters can make creek crossings hazardous, so plan your outing accordingly. 

See current and planned trail closures

Upcoming Events and Activities

See all Events & Activities

Midpen Regulations and Policies

A variety of policies are in place to guide Midpen and users of open space lands.

District Regulations and Ordinances

Our rules are for the protection of our visitors and natural resources, and to make everyone's visit a safe and enjoyable experience. Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying all rules and regulations before visiting the preserves.

Basic Policy

In 1999, the board of directors developed a Basic Policy to guide Midpen and provide information to the public about the mission, purpose, strategic direction and major elements of our operations.

Good Neighbor Policy

The board of directors and staff are strongly committed to establishing and maintaining good relationships with all of our residents and neighbors. The board adopted Midpen's revised Good Neighbor Policy in September 2007.

Resource Management Policies

The Resource Management Policies is a guiding document used to manage and protect plants, animals, water, soil, terrain, geologic formations, historic resources, scenic features and cultural resources on Midpen owned and/or managed lands. The RMP are used to help guide the overall planning, budgeting and decision making processes for programs and individual preserves.

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