
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Saratoga
Explore 739 acres of rolling hills and scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Dog-friendly with lovely views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guaranteed parking

Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Saratoga
Best Time
Guaranteed parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 739 acres of rolling hills and scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Dog-friendly with lovely views.
"Lovely views. Leased dogs allowed. Lots of trail options - all hilly."

🚗 Parking Patience
Lot fills fast on weekends. Arrive early or late, or be prepared to wait.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails are hilly and can be slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hunter's Point View
Hunter's Point
Catch glimpses of Stevens Creek Drive, Apple offices, and distant San Jose buildings.

Rolling Hills & Verdant Slopes
Various trails
Experience the beauty of lush green hillsides dotted with stylish mansions.

Dog-Friendly Exploration
All trails
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a perfect spot for outdoor adventures with your furry friend.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Weekend Crowds
Trail Preparedness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Lot fills fast on weekends. Arrive early or late, or be prepared to wait.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails are hilly and can be slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🐶 Leash Up Your Pup
This preserve is dog-friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash.
💧 Check Trail Conditions
Trails can get slushy and slippery after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Lot fills fast on weekends. Arrive early or late, or be prepared to wait.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails are hilly and can be slippery. Good hiking shoes are a must!
🐶 Leash Up Your Pup
This preserve is dog-friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash.
💧 Check Trail Conditions
Trails can get slushy and slippery after rain.
🗺️ Explore All Trails
The preserve isn't huge; you can explore most bikeable trails depending on fitness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the beautiful rolling hills and scenic views at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, with many appreciating that it's a dog-friendly location. However, the small parking lot is a significant drawback, often leading to long waits or the need for early/late visits. Some trails can also be quite steep and narrow.
"Lovely views. Leased dogs allowed. Lots of trail options - all hilly. Portable bathroom at parking lot. Arrived at 10am on a Saturday and lot was full had to wait for others to leave. Lots of deer. Some trails are wide and other get quite tight and narrow near drop off."
Lisa Incatasciato
"Quite a few trails are there along the folds of the mountain, part easy partly somewhat steep. We did the Hunter's Point Ans Seven Springs. The trail for the second one was very slushy and slippery, maybe due to rains earlier. View from Hunter's Point is ok - Stevens Creek Dr in a strait line, the circular Apple offices a little further, and tha buildings ofdowntown San Jose far away. But the real joy came from the verdant carpets on slopes around our path and the stylish mansions nestled between thick growth of greenery. On the whole a pleasant outing on a cool sunny morning."
Chandrasekar Rajaram
"Great place to hike if the weather is 75°
Went on Monday morning the 21st around 10:30 am. You have to walk through an uphill neighborhood before you hit the main trail. Is all uphill. It's considered hard on strava. I was alone most of the trail. Saw a biker alone as well. It was 1:45 min of walking before I hit the top (took a few view breaks).
Walking back down is easy. There is a street that has an apartment complex before you hit the private road that takes you up to the trail. Park there."
Frank Vivanco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located in Saratoga, CA. While specific directions can vary, many visitors report needing to walk through an uphill neighborhood before hitting the main trails. Some suggest parking on a street with an apartment complex before the private road leading up to the trail if the main lot is full.
Information on direct public transportation to the preserve is limited. It's generally recommended to drive. mention nearby cities like San Jose and Cupertino, suggesting local transit might connect to those areas.
The preserve is not overly large, so you can explore most of the bikeable trails. For specific routes, consider using a trail app or asking fellow hikers/bikers for recommendations.
Yes, there is a portable bathroom located at the parking lot.
Absolutely! You can connect to Stevens Creek County Park from Fremont Older Open Space Preserve for an extended outdoor adventure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. It's a free public park.
While specific hours aren't always posted, it's generally understood to be open during daylight hours. It's best to visit during reasonable daylight times to ensure safety and enjoy the views.
No, tickets are not required for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve as there is no admission fee.
Weekends are the busiest. To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings (before 7 AM) or late afternoons. Weekday mornings are also a great option.
If the main lot is full, you may need to wait for a spot to open up. Some visitors suggest parking on a nearby street before the private road leading to the trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Fremont Older offers a variety of trails, many of which are hilly. Some are wide, while others can become quite tight and narrow, especially near drop-off points.
Yes, Fremont Older is a great place for hiking. The trails offer varying levels of difficulty, with some being quite steep.
Yes, biking is permitted on many of the trails. The preserve is not very large, so you can explore most of the bikeable routes.
Hunter's Point offers views of Stevens Creek Drive, the Apple offices, and downtown San Jose. The rolling hills themselves provide beautiful scenery.
Many visitors report seeing deer while exploring the preserve.
📸 📸 Photography
The rolling hills with their verdant carpets and the stylish mansions nestled within the greenery offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Hunter's Point also provides a scenic backdrop.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting, especially during golden hour, making it a good time for photography.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome and can be great subjects for photos in this scenic environment.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and softer shadows.
While there aren't distinct landmarks, the expansive views of the hills and the unique architecture of the surrounding mansions make for compelling shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider sticking to wider, less steep paths if you have younger children. The presence of deer can be an exciting element for kids to spot. Due to parking limitations, arriving early on weekends is crucial for families to secure a spot and maximize their time at the preserve.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash to ensure the safety of other visitors and wildlife. Be mindful of the trail conditions, especially after rain, as some areas can become slippery. The hilly nature of the trails means your dog will get a good workout too!
🏃♀️ Runners & Hikers
To avoid crowds and secure parking, aim for early morning visits, especially on weekends. The scenic views and the chance to spot wildlife add to the enjoyment of your run or hike. Be prepared for varying trail conditions, particularly after rain, and wear appropriate footwear for the inclines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
For those planning a bike ride, the preserve is not excessively large, allowing for exploration of most bikeable trails within a single visit, depending on your fitness. However, be prepared for the hilly terrain; one reviewer noted a 1:45 minute walk to the top, describing it as 'hard' on Strava. The trails can also become quite slushy and slippery after rainfall, so checking the weather and trail conditions beforehand is advisable.
Connecting to Stevens Creek County Park from Fremont Older provides an opportunity for longer excursions. While the preserve itself is not vast, the interconnectedness with neighboring parks expands the possibilities for extensive hiking and biking adventures.
The Parking Predicament
This can be particularly frustrating on weekend mornings, a peak time for visitors. Some visitors have found alternative parking solutions, such as parking on a nearby street before the private road that leads up to the main trail, especially if there's an apartment complex in the vicinity. Planning your visit outside of peak hours or on a weekday is highly recommended to ensure a smoother entry and avoid the potential hassle of waiting for a parking spot.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
The preserve is also a habitat for local wildlife. Many visitors have reported sightings of deer roaming freely throughout the area, adding to the natural charm of the experience. The combination of the lush scenery and the chance to observe wildlife makes Fremont Older a rewarding destination for nature lovers and photographers alike, especially during the cooler, sun-kissed hours of the day.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit