Underbear Newish…read more±1,400-acre Open Space Preserve that's located only three-mikes south of Los Gatos, and is one of the few places in the area left to see Old-growth Redwoods. The Good: *Free! *One of the newer OSPs, as it officially opened in ±2019 *Fairly large paved parking lot that holds ±30 vehicles, including three ADA parking spots. There's a separate parking lot at the stables, but you need a permit. *Over ten miles of hiking trails *ADA Compliant trail around the pond in the parking lot. *Horses OK (check trail signage) *Picnic tables in the parking lot *As mentioned above, one of the few places in the South Bay that you can view old-growth Redwoods that doesn't require you to drive down to Felton (Henry Cowell) or Big Basin. *If you're looking for a challenge, the Upper Peter Siemens Trail-Madrone Knoll Trail has an elevation gain of ±1,500' over ±3.5 miles The Meh: *No dogs/pets The Ugly: *Restrooms in the parking lot, but I believe they were vault toilets--don't look down! 0_o Conclusion: Great place to get your hike on if you're in the South Bay and don't feel like a terribly long drive.

The 6.2-mile 1000 feet of elevation is now my new favorite local trail, especially having recently…read morewatched Hamnet, the scenery felt strangely cinematic, as if certain moments--especially the cave entrance--had been lifted directly from the film. In Hamnet, the cave stands as a symbol of that mysterious realm of death, the void from which we come and to which we ultimately return. Yet on this beautiful sunny afternoon, as life breathes through every tree, every leaf, and every small flower, and as I feel the gentle care and encouragement of those beside me, I realized, not in a limbo zone way, that the world, exactly as it is, is beautiful enough. Heaven must be even better. https://youtube.com/shorts/xiQGHA3WKrY?si=womdxeGsiEBLsH0W

This is a short but steep hike with a nice view of the Almaden Valley along the way!…read more This trail spreads out and connects with other trails which makes it easier to turn this into a larger hike/mountain bike ride. There is plenty of shade along the way, so it can be traversed on hot days without heatstroke. Parking at the trailhead has never been a problem.

Cute little park and playground with moderate hiking trails. The trail is very uneven and steep in…read moresome parts. Overall a pleasant short hike. It does lead to the Santa Rosa Open Space trail which is a longer and more strenuous hike.

Cane here on 4th of July for a family hike. Found parking inside when we arrived around 9. Took…read moreabout 45m roundtrip to hike the Maisie's peak. We ran into a lot of friendly people. Keep in mind it gets hot with minimal shade. Overall would do again for a nearby hike.

I always love coming here for a hike. There is multiple trails available and a lot of nice views…read more Biking is allowed on the trails too, just stay clear of the people biking. The only downside is if you come in through the prospect road entrance there isn't a lot of parking spots, so it's all about luck and timing. Also, please don't double park because then people can't get out, I saw it first hand happen to someone

We are so lucky to have such a beautiful place near-by. Since the pandemic, it has become our…read moreweekly routine to hike here multiple times a week in the early mornings. This is a very popular venue for weddings and special events especially on weekends. For early birds like us, we get to enjoy the fresh air, quietness and peacefulness in the gorgeous environment, a real treat to the body and mind. We hope to keep up our weekly activities and very appreciative of the wonderful gift.

This is Leland Stanford's first residence in California and the grounds are so beautiful! It's…read moreclose to Saratoga and they have great walking trails and you can get a ton of steps in. The house itself is an architectural masterpiece and it's nicely preserved and full of art. The parking is challenging but it's worth it to experience this beautiful palace!

A lovely and peaceful county park in the foothills of Saratoga. Getting here is a pretty easy shot…read moreup highway 9 before it gets too windy, though there are still many curves. Since it's a County Park, there is a $6 entry fee, though you can also park outside of the park and still enjoy the trials. The outside parking is quite far from the actual entrance, so I wouldn't park there if you're trying to enjoy the picnic or main grounds. There are a couple of easier short trails, and then some longer steep trails, but not a ton in between. Parts of the park are ADA accessible, including the deck in the circle of trees. There are a good number of picnic tables and picnic areas, with many of the picnic tables having charcoal grills at them. I was here on a warm winter day and some were in use, but most were open. One of the parking lots was closed when we were there, but there was still plenty of parking since it was winter.

Pine in the Ass…read more +3,400-acre park located in the Santa Cruz Mountains that's just a short--but windy--drive from Downtown Saratoga along scenic Hwy 9. The Good: * It seems like they've upgraded their parking situation quite a bit, as they have several large lots. * Restrooms in aforementioned parking lots * RV camping year-round (check website) * Hike-in Campsites (check website) * Open picnic tables and reservable areas * Leashed dogs okay on certain trails (check signage) * Equestrian trails okay (check map) * Biking (check maps) * Good place to see salamanders thanks to the lake * 22 miles of trails The Meh: * $6 entrance fee * We did a nearly five-mile loop (look up San Andrea & Madrone Loop on AllTrails), and I just found the trails to be pretty mundane and not nearly as exciting as other parks we've visited recently. The Ugly: * Why do they have to have the parking machine at the entrance of the park? This just causes traffic to back up unnecessarily as everyone has to stop, get out, pay, get back in their car, and then drive off. Seems like a silly place to put them, but what do I know? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: Not a bad park overall (probably 3.5*) but just didn't have that "can't wait to come back" feeling that I usually get after a nice hike.

Fremont Older Preserve is right in the neighborhood and has trails of various lengths, perfect for…read morea short walk or lengthier, leisurely hike. How did I not know about this spot growing up! This natural sanctuary from everyday life is nestled right into Cupertino. No narrow, winding, hilly driving necessary. No need to go too far to get a scenic hike and a view. Just drive a bit into a neighborhood and park by the street near the trailhead. This place is beautifully grassy and lush, with areas that feel surprisingly removed from Silicon Valley life despite being so close by. I'm conflicted about sharing this somewhat hidden gem, but it's such a nice place to be. Looking forward to visiting a few times as the weather gets warmer :)

Loved the trail, but FYI there are a ton of ticks. We're lucky our dog is on Simparica Trio, but we…read morestill found one biting and stuck on her belly. Make sure to check your pups carefully after!

Was here for a late evening bike ride and it was great. I parked in a residential neighborhood and…read morewas able to get on the trail pretty easily. It goes along some houses and a busy street but was still an enjoyable bike ride. It is pretty flat and goes along a creek (was empty) and there are a lot of trees lining the trail. Always good to get some fresh air and the blood pumping.

This is 1.5 mile segment of the larger trail and has entrance at Moorpark/Bolinger. I like going to…read morethe trail for a quick 5k (back and forth). Most of the trail is shaded and nicely paved. You can see people walking their dogs, bike, run or walk. This is an easy trail with no elevation. There is no designated parking for the trail, I usually either run from my house to there or park at the nearby CVS. The creek has dried out in this segment. So you can also walk in the creek if you like.

This is one of many trails at Stevens Creek County Park and the surrounding area. I parked along…read moreStevens Canyon Road where there is limited free parking. There are also several different parking lots available for a fee (Rim Trail, Stevens Creek Chestnut, etc.). I went running here on Saturday, and though there was a bit of mud along the dirt path, I was lucky to catch a few hours of sunshine on this winter day. The Tony Look Trail is flatter and easier than other trails in the area, with manageable inclines. Alongside the flowing creek, it leads to and wraps around the Stevens Creek Reservoir until it connects to the Loop Trail. At that point, staying on Tony Look would entail more zigzagging than I was in the mood for, especially with the forecasted rains, so I split onto the Loop Trail to continue further along the water, before trekking back. There was lots of beautiful scenery to explore and appreciate, as well as a few park benches among the trees and greenery. I didn't encounter any animals nor pesky flying insects during my recent run, and there were very few people too. The peaceful atmosphere was all I could have asked for on this pleasant day.

Nice flat walk Easy…read moreand lots of people Half shaded and half open Lots of puppies :)