McClellan Ranch Preserve Cupertino
A charming former horse ranch in Cupertino offering nature trails, historic buildings, a community garden, and educational animal encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animal center open
McClellan Ranch Preserve Cupertino
Best Time
Animal center open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming former horse ranch in Cupertino offering nature trails, historic buildings, a community garden, and educational animal encounters.
"A big nice park to hike, walk or bike with beautiful, quiet, and lusciously green nature."
🚶♀️ Easy Nature Loop
The half-mile dirt loop is perfect for little legs and spotting wildlife.
🚲 Bring Your Wheels!
Paved paths are great for bikes, scooters, and strollers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Environmental Education Center
Saturdays 11 am - 3 pm
Meet live animals and learn about the local environment. A hit with kids!
+1Historic Ranch Buildings
Throughout the preserve
Discover a barn, blacksmith shop, and the charming rural ranch aesthetic.
+1
Stevens Creek Trail
Creekside
Enjoy easy, paved trails perfect for strollers, bikes, and scooters, winding alongside Stevens Creek.
+1Community Garden
Near the barn
A vibrant space showcasing local flora and community spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ranch Vibe
Best Times for Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Nature Loop
The half-mile dirt loop is perfect for little legs and spotting wildlife.
🚲 Bring Your Wheels!
Paved paths are great for bikes, scooters, and strollers.
🦌 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, lizards, and butterflies.
🧺 Picnic Spots
Plenty of space for a relaxing picnic lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Nature Loop
The half-mile dirt loop is perfect for little legs and spotting wildlife.
🚲 Bring Your Wheels!
Paved paths are great for bikes, scooters, and strollers.
🦌 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, lizards, and butterflies.
🧺 Picnic Spots
Plenty of space for a relaxing picnic lunch.
🆓 Free Admission
Enjoy the preserve and its amenities without any entry fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise McClellan Ranch Preserve for its beautiful, quiet, and green natural setting, perfect for hiking, walking, and biking. The presence of farm animals, historic buildings, and easy trails makes it a family-friendly destination with ample parking and free entry.
"It was a big nice park to hike, walk or bike. The nature reserve there was so beautiful, quiet and lusciously green.
They have many 2 entrances, one here and one on the Blackberry Farm. There are an old barn, a community garden, cute small animal farm, water streams, good hiking trails, and many sport fields. If you walk further up to Blackberry Farm, you’ll see one children playground and community pools."
Judy Margaret Chen
"Plenty of parking. Easy to find. Cute gift shop selling local honey and bird seed. Great spot for 4H day campers."
Lori Homstad
"The alpacas are very cute and friendly looking! There are easy trails and creek nearby. It’s good for a short walk and see some farm animals!"
S H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McClellan Ranch Preserve is located at 22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available.
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in social media posts, the preserve is located in a suburban area. Checking local transit apps for Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) routes serving Cupertino would be advisable.
There is a free parking lot available at the preserve.
Yes, you can access McClellan Ranch Preserve from Blackberry Farm. Walking further up from the preserve leads to Blackberry Farm, which has a children's playground and community pools.
Absolutely! The paved trails are perfect for cycling, and the preserve is noted for its protected bike lanes on McClellan Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to McClellan Ranch Preserve is free of charge.
The preserve is open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset.
The Environmental Education Center is open every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm, offering a chance to see live animals.
Yes, farm tours are available on the second Saturday of each month.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, many nature preserves have leash laws for dogs. It's best to check local regulations or signage upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The preserve offers both paved trails, ideal for strollers and bikes, and unpaved nature trails, including a short, easy loop perfect for wildlife spotting.
Visitors can often spot deer, squirrels, lizards, butterflies, and hummingbirds on the nature trails. +1 The Environmental Education Center also hosts live animals.
While the preserve itself focuses on nature, a children's playground is located at Blackberry Farm, which is accessible by walking further up from McClellan Ranch.
The preserve retains its rural ranch look with historic structures like a barn and a blacksmith shop.
Yes, the preserve's natural habitat makes it a great spot for birdwatching, with mentions of warblers, woodpeckers, and owls.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities within the preserve. However, it's a popular spot for picnics, so bringing your own food is recommended.
A cute gift shop sells local honey and bird seed, but food and drinks are not typically available for purchase.
McClellan Ranch Preserve is located in a suburban area of Cupertino. You'll find various dining options in the nearby commercial centers and shopping areas of Cupertino.
Absolutely! The preserve offers plenty of space and scenic spots for a relaxing picnic.
The gift shop at McClellan Ranch Preserve offers local honey and bird seed.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic ranch buildings, the community garden, the creek, and the diverse wildlife offer numerous picturesque opportunities. +1
Yes, with its creekside trails, diverse plant life, and opportunities to see wildlife like deer and birds, it's an excellent location for nature photography.
Visitors can see live animals at the Environmental Education Center on Saturdays, making it a great spot for close-up animal photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. It's always best to check with park management if you have specific needs.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, especially for wildlife and landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Don't miss the Environmental Education Center on Saturdays (11 am-3 pm) to see live animals! +1 The short nature loop is great for spotting wildlife like deer and butterflies. 🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
+2 The preserve is a great spot for a relaxed stroll or a short, easy hike, perfect for a nature reset. 🚲 Cyclists & Scooter Riders
The preserve is even noted for its protected bike lanes on McClellan Road, making it a safe and enjoyable place to ride. 📸 Photographers
+1 The creekside scenery and natural habitats offer excellent opportunities for nature and landscape photography. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Nature
+1 These trails often follow the scenic Stevens Creek, providing pleasant views and a sense of tranquility. +1For those seeking a more immersive nature experience, the unpaved nature loops are a must. The short, darling dirt nature loop is particularly popular for its ease and the abundance of wildlife sightings.
Visitors frequently report seeing deer, squirrels, lizards, butterflies, and even hummingbirds along these paths. Birdwatchers will also find McClellan Ranch Preserve to be a rewarding destination. The diverse flora and fauna attract various bird species, including warblers, woodpeckers, and the occasional owl.
The preserve's commitment to maintaining its natural state ensures a rich ecosystem for both wildlife and visitors to enjoy. Family Fun and Educational Opportunities
+1 This hands-on experience is a major draw for families with young children. Beyond the education center, the preserve offers several family-friendly features. The paved trails are perfect for little ones on bikes or scooters, and the nearby Blackberry Farm (accessible via a walk from the preserve) boasts a children's playground.
The overall atmosphere of the preserve, with its historic ranch feel and accessible amenities, makes it a welcoming place for a family day out. For those interested in a deeper dive into farm life, farm tours are available on the second Saturday of each month, offering another layer of educational engagement for families.
The presence of animals like alpacas adds to the charm and excitement for younger visitors. Preserving History and Rural Charm
Visitors can explore historic buildings, including a barn and a blacksmith shop, which offer a glimpse into the past. +1 The overall aesthetic of the preserve is noted for its rural ranch look, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding suburban landscape. The community garden is another significant feature that contributes to the preserve's charm and its connection to the land.
This vibrant space showcases local flora and fosters a sense of community involvement. This commitment to preserving its past allows McClellan Ranch Preserve to offer a unique experience that combines nature, education, and a tangible connection to the region's history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit