I've done over half a dozen hikes here, including the treacherous black mountain trail, and I think this is one of the best hiking areas near Cupertino! Rancho San Antonio offers hikes for just about every level, and all of the trails are well maintained. Some of the higher elevation trails like the PG&E trail offer great views of Silicon Valley. Wildlife like turkeys can be seen along the trails. read more

See all

First things first, if you don't come here early, expect to circle the numerous parking lots many, many times. The first time I came here years ago, couldn't find a spot so we left, then came back another time and lucked out. Most recently we spent about 30 minutes circling and going back and forth between all the lots before we finally got a spot. We considered leaving, but every time we tried to sit and look at a map to find somewhere else to go, a car would come up behind us and we'd have to move. So if you aren't a patient person, come early, or don't come. After our parking search nightmare was over, we were finally able to enjoy the beautiful trails and lovely farm. It was truly amazing how empty the trails felt with how many people and cars were there. We did the deer hollow loop trail which included the coyote trail, and we only came across a handful of other groups until we got to the farm. They have maps at the trial head, and many trails to choose from, so grab a map if you haven't been. The maps are small so it's kind of hard to tell where you are, but luckily the trail posts are numbered, so you can reference them on the map as your winding your way on the trails. We were pleasantly surprised by how many animals there were on the farm! There were goats, pigs, sheep, cows, ducks, geese, and chickens. It was fun to explore and watch all the animals grazing and roaming their pens. The farm is a decent trek from the parking lot, even though it is flat and there are paved areas you can walk, it does take some time to get back out from it. read more

See all

Hiked in the middle of winter and it was still nice. Ground was not too muddy. There's some winding trails and gradual climbs. I'm a beginner hiker so it's challenging enough to give me a workout. Most of the trail is exposed with greenery around but could be hot in the Summer. There's an educational center with farm animals (goats, huge pigs, cows) and a volunteer supported garden, Deer Hollow Farm. It's open to public most of the week. There's also a historic cabin built in the 1850's preserved and look like a small museum that showcases what life may have been like back then. There's a permanent restroom at the parking lot. Along the trail, there's also a smaller porta potty type but permanent restroom. Plenty of parking. read more

See all

Pretty cool but very well trafficked open space out in the Los Altos hills of the western south bay. Space is actually huge but I bet 90% of the people that jam this place up basically stay in the same main areas in the lower elevations near all the parking areas. I came once a year ago on a weekend morning and this place was a mad house. Traffic (like weekday traffic) in the lone road that goes up this hill. I knew that wasn't a good sign and people were parking on the street even a mile downhill from the staging area. Sure enough get to the parking areas (which is quite plentiful actually as there are multiple areas), it was gridlocked. Every stall occupied and people waiting for stalls to open up. I immediately left and drove to plan B. Came back recently on a weekday morning and a much different story. Parking was only about 1/4 filled, but when I got out to some of the entry level trails, there were a ton of people out. There is a good amount of room so you weren't elbow to elbow or anything, but people were in view non-stop on the flatter trails. There's a small working farm on this lower level and I'm sure this is a big attraction here. You cannot enter the farm but just on the other side of the fence you will see farm equipment, lots of cute goats, some cows and even some monster hogs basking in the dirt. Even though I didn't see many children on a weekday, I'm sure this area is quite popular on the weekends. It actually wasn't until I got to about mile 2 going more uphill where the trails got more shaded, more natural, more undulating and more densely forested where the crowd density dwindled big time. Like now I would only see a person every 5-10 minutes. And I barely touched the grounds here, and I did a 5 mile loop, probably only going up 1/3 the heights of this area. There's even a section here that is somewhat PG & E territory as one of the trails I was on had huge power lines going up the hill. But now that I know of the trails to skip due to the crowds, I can now make this place more efficient for me. Looking forward in much more explorations and great workouts. read more

See all

Rancho San Antonio is one of our favorite places to go hiking. While the most popular trail is to walk to the Deer Hollow Farm and then back to parking lot (probably 60% of visitors just do this part), there are a lot more trails to explore. That particular round trip is probably less than 2.5 miles round trip, mostly flat, and much of it you have a choice of walking on paved roads/trails so good for strollers. The farm is open until 4pm most days, but be aware this is not a petting zoo, you just get to see the sheep, goats, pigs, cows, rabbits, ducks etc. Still fun for kids, my son loved it when he was little. My favorite hike is to go past the farm and then take the Wildcat Loop trip, you get some great views from up there, that's about 4.5 miles round trip from parking lot with some elevation gain. Our new favorite trail is the Mora Trail which branches off before you get to the farm and goes up to beautiful open vistas. Parking - very hard to find parking on weekend mornings and early afternoons. And don't park illegally, they will ticket you. Trails past the farm tend to be much less used. read more

See all

I love this preserve! I have been here several times over the years and it's always been a nice hike - whether for a nice stroll with kids or a nice long scenic hike. Starting from the various parking spots, there are tons of different trails that meander all over the preserve. It can get overwhelming if it's your first time, as the signs for the trails can get confusing. But, you can always turn back and go the same way you came! It's usually very green, but can get dry during the hotter summer months. Bring plenty of water if you plan on hiking for a long time - there is shade on several trails, but again - it can get hot. Also plan to be here early, early in the mornings on weekends/summer months as it gets packed! read more

I've been to this park a few times over the past couple of years and always had a great experience. They have plenty of free parking available, but it can get crowded on weekends as expected, especially in the mornings. There are plenty of hikes to choose from depending on what you're looking for. Beautiful scenery all around and there's even a cute little goat farm and a few other animals for the kiddos. read more

Nice park with lots of shaded trails. We tried the farm bypass trail and coyote trail, it's a pleasant hike with mild incline. Parking maybe a bit hard, go after 7pm will help. read more

See all

So beautiful. Highly recommend the PG&E trail and then follow that up to the switchbacks! Parking can be a problem, get there early. read more

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve is one of my favorite places in Los Altos. It's a beautiful, well-maintained preserve, and you can really tell that they take great care of both the land and the animals--especially at Deer Hollow Farm, where the animals are clearly well cared for and loved. The hiking trails are excellent, with options ranging from easy walks to moderate hikes, making it accessible whether you want a relaxing stroll or a bit more of a workout. That said, the wildlife is truly the highlight of this place. Almost every visit, I see something amazing--deer grazing nearby, a wide variety of birds, ground squirrels, and if you're lucky, even wild cats or coyotes. Being surrounded by so much wildlife in such a peaceful, natural setting is what makes Rancho San Antonio really special. It's a wonderful escape into nature and a place I always enjoy coming back to. read more

See all

This is my all-time favorite place to hike. In the fall and winter, my kids and I enjoy spotting various fungi. Had the pleasure of seeing baby turkeys a few days ago with their mama. Didn't get to whip my phone out fast enough though. And of course, beautiful deer everywhere. A couple of coyotes. Lizards galore. quails. blue jays. Occasionally a snake or two. Trails of various difficulties for hikers and runners. Too busy to bother coming here on the weekends, so I prefer the weekday morning hikes. I usually come around 8:30am and finish around 10:30-11am. by then parking can be slim pickings. read more

See all

Beautiful park maintained by Mt View and the County. 1 mile flat trail walk to a working farm (check schedule to see when open) or 4 miles 1 way to the top for an amazing view of the Bay Area. You can see SF on a clear day. Trees abundant and shade is also very good here too. Lots of wildlife - always see turkeys, sometimes deer. Highly recommend this park for both families and individuals. Parking does fill up on weekend mornings so you may have to park father away. It just means you have to walk a few extra minutes to the trail head. read more

Rancho San Antonio is a hidden gem. I took the Meadow Trail loop down to the farm and back, and it was such a rewarding hike. The whole loop took me about an hour, which made it perfect for a short but scenic outing. The trail itself is well-maintained with beautiful open views and some gentle hills, nothing too intense. Along the way, I got to see people riding horses too, which I love seeing. The highlight was definitely the Deer Hollow Farm. It felt like stepping into a countryside storybook. The baby goats were absolutely adorable, and the whole farm had a welcoming, relaxed vibe. It's the perfect spot to take a breather and just enjoy nature and animals up close. This is a fantastic trail for solo hikers, families, or anyone wanting a bit of nature therapy without going too far off the grid. Plenty of parking available. This park doesn't allow dogs. read more

See all

I run into deer and turkeys every time I go. Occasionally pheasants or other wildlife too. You have woods, meadows, and a small farm with sheep and pigs, all in one place. My only major gripe is with the crowds, and finding parking on the weekend. If you can sneak out of work for a visit during the week though, this is a good spot to run or hike. read more

I Hike You Very Much It's been a few years since I've reviewed Rancho San Antonio OSP, and there's been quite a few big changes in that time. Enough so that it's earned this place an extra star in my book. The Good: *They've finally fixed the parking issue here by adding two extra lots; you now no longer have to show up at sunrise to guarantee easy parking, as the lots don't start to fill up until around noonish. There's even an electronic billboard at the entrance driveway updating visitors as to how many spots are left. *24 miles of trail options for all activity levels, including some ADA compliant trails. *Might be the best place to see birds and wildlife in The Bay, as I can't recall a visit in which I didn't see at least a few deer and/or wild turkeys roaming within reach. *Bike and equestrian trails *Trails are mostly shaded and plenty wide *Deer Hollow Farm is a must-see for us--even if it's just a quick pass-thru. *Model airplane launching/flying area The Meh: *No dogs allowed *Some of the trails are a little worse-for-wear, but overall, they're fairly decent. The Ugly: *While the parking situation is mostly resolved, the popularity of this park is still its worst feature, as there's always way too many people for my liking. =/ TLDR: Still one of my favorite places to hike in the South Bay, but gird your loins for having to deal with more people than your avg Bay Area park. read more

See all

This hiking trail take more than four hours to completed. The most of the trail road were flat. read more

Rancho San Antonio Preserve - Nice place to park - Parks Near Me - Los Altos, California

I've been here twice in the last month. There are enough trails here that you can come back multiple times and a have different experience each time. There are 6 parking lots and they are free. It gets full on weekends, but we didn't have any problem coming here by 9am on the weekend. The place is large with a farm, a garden, some picnic tables, a creek, and multiple trails. In May and early June, there are plenty of wildflowers to enjoy. + Deer Hollow Trail - this is an easy, but very enjoyable trail. It starts at parking lot 5, and you'll pass a large grassy area with picnic tables. You'll pass a creek, and Deer Hollow Farm and Phoebe's garden. It's worth stopping and watching the cute little goats and chickens. Most of the trail is shaded and green. It's probably about 1-2 miles round trip. + Wildcat Trail - this is an easy-medium trail with some incline but nothing steep. It starts at parking lot 1. There's less shade, but along the creek it's really pretty and shaded. We even saw a tiny waterfall flowing in mid-June. When you reach the top, there's a great view of Silicon Valley. It's about 5 miles round trip. This is a great place for a family outing. Spend the day and take in the beautiful surroundings and pack a picnic. read more

See all

There were plentiful parking lots but even the bottom two lots were full on a weekday. No parking fee. I hiked the short hollow deer farm loop and saw the name sake deers in the meadow and along the trail multiple times! Beautiful place to lie down and read or have a picnic. At the end of it, is the hollow deer farm, closed Monday and closed early at 1p Wednesday. You'll see farm animals like cute small goats, sheep and cows. read more

See all

Made it back to complete a full loop with a summit to the peak of Black Mountain. It took almost 5 hours to complete 14.5 miles. The last mile climb to the summit is a definite test of your stamina. 3000 feet never felt so glorious! read more

See all

Great place for having a drink of water. The deer sightseeing is great here too. It's nice no Pooh , no litter no garbage, it's a nice lil getaway spot. read more

Best place for hiking! Every time my husband and I come here we see and explore a new route. read more

See all

Well, at least it's not a converted Meta campus. The Ohlone Indians lived in this part of Los Altos for over 3,000 years, and I'm sure they would have blocked Zuck and his posse from their Facebook profiles if that happened. Fortunately the area - which is just off 280 on Foothill Blvd - consisted mostly of open meadows and tree-lined trails which were mostly (and gratefully) flat and often paved. On the day I visited with my friend Carlos, the open area was quite a magnet for the local suburban populace. There were packs of people on the walking trails, and while it was heartwarming to see multiple generations of families bonding over nature, they needed to get out of our way so we could get our FitBit steps in. Priorities, don't you know. Apparently there are 25 miles of trails between the park and the open space, but everyone seemed to be on the same two-mile stretch. That would be either the Coyote Trail or the Lower Meadow Trail from the parking lot to Deer Hollow Farm. This was indeed a working farm in full operation complete with tractors, windmills, and actual livestock. It was as wholesome as a Judy Garland musical with a dancing cow. However, the cows here didn't dance, but they stared intently. The pigs were more entertaining as they were used to the paparazzi. Carlos and I made a loop out of the two trails so we could get some variety in our scenery. We were able to get some nice views that way. It would definitely be worth a return visit on a less congested day. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

See all

I have been hiking at Rancho San Antonio Open Space for 20+ years. Over the years it has gotten much more crowded but once you get past the first few miles, it is quiet and very beautiful. There are plenty of trails, lots of shade and challenging hills. It was open during the pandemic and a saving grace when all the gyms were closed. The downside was that it got very crowded and there was trash on trails with people not picking up after themselves. I have always felt safe, even up on the highest trails. I took one star away for the parking, unless you are there at sunrise or later int he afternoon, after 12pm, there is no parking and this location has 6 lots for parking. Parking is free but hard to find. The park experimented with limiting one big lot to cars with 3+ people but that is back to open parking as well. For families with children, Happy Hollow Farm is popular, they have all kinds of animals - goats, sheep, chickens, bunnies, ducks and pigs and you always see new born animals in the Spring. There is large open barn with picnic tables. And if you go in the morning when the weather is nice or evening just before sunset, you can catch people flying there remote control planes, bonus if you go in the evening and see them al lit up. Restrooms and water fountains are near the parking lots. Great place for everyone! read more

My go to hiking spot. Lots of different trails at varying levels of difficulty that all loop back. However, lately there have been a ton of people and the parking lots have been full, so need to park down the street along the side of the road, which adds another 40 min round trip to and from the car. Either go really early in the morning (before 9am) or in the afternoon (after 2pm) to avoid huge crowds. read more

See all

This place is such a gem ! I have been coming to hike here since I was really young, and have also been here for a field trip when I was a child. As an adult, I still love coming here because of how deep in nature it feels even though it is right next to Cupertino/Los Altos. If you try to go during a Saturday or Sunday morning, it is actually tricky to find parking. I rarely go during those times and usually go in the evening after work during Spring/Summer when it still gets sun later in the evening. There's so much pretty scenery and you can occasionally see deer and turkey. I have also seen snakes there as well but it is quite rare. Their farm also has hours where they're open to the public. They have a few trails, the longest I think being the PG&E trail. I usually take the trail that takes you to a vista point the quickest. this place is good for hiking, walking, running, and biking if you're careful. I do not consider any of these trails difficult and it's so nice to walk in the woods in these areas as well. read more

See all

One of the more laid back places to hike in the area. On weekends, parking is difficult. I only go on weekdays because of the parking concerns. There are at least 4 lots but they are usually full on weekend mornings. If you go later in the day on a weekend, you'll probably be okay. I like it because the trails are easy to navigate and are well-traveled which makes it a safe trail to do solo. There is a small farm that is nice for kids. There are goats, a cow, and pigs. There is a pavilion if you want to bring food. There are two sets of restrooms that I've seen. There are some at the beginning in the parking lot and then some past the farm by the pavilion. There are a variety of trails to choose from and depending on what you choose, all levels of hikers can be happy. read more

See all

A very nice place to enjoy a stroll around the preserve. It's not at all hard or a hike, it's more of just a nature walk. There's a nice loop around the whole thing. Plenty of parking with multiple lots. There's a good part that's shaded. You'll see many animals around like rabbits, deer, etc. Just don't go off trail. There's a ton of poison oak! Like a ton. Easy for all ages! read more

See all

Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve We did a quick little short hike of 5.5 mile to and from Deer Hollow Farm today taking the Coyote Tail. Though the parking lots are large , they were pretty full by 11 am Sunday. Clean restrooms at the parking lot. Hills were filled with various species of flowers, tons of ladybugs and butterflies. Pollination was happening. Trails : 10/10 well maintained Humans : too many to count Wildlife: squirrels, ladybugs, butterflies, birds Stroller friendly: yes at coyote trail Kids friendly : yes read more

See all

This preserve has several loops you can go through. My friend and I decided to hike along the Meadow Trail since the Black Mountain Trail is too long for us. I like how there are a lot of shading areas, but the problem comes in when there are so many flies coming to us especially the first half of the hike, which I am quite disappointed with. The scenery is ok, but there were too much leaves along the way, which is natural. The hiking is somewhat intense since going uphill can be tiring especially in the first half of our hike. Overall, this is a good hiking place to go to, but I took away a star over flies coming to my head. read more

Huge place for hiking, walks and more. There is plenty of free parking but it gets full fast so plan ahead. There are several trails plus a farm nearby that is worth a stop. Everything is free so can't complain. There is a bathroom onsite too. read more

Rancho San Antonio Preserve - Parks Near Me - Los Altos, California

See all

Well we have ventured here a few times now and overall have had very positive experiences. On heavy volume days you will have a hard time securing a parking spot. But if carpooling staff may let you in early to secure a spot. As for the trails, I generally like to start at the PG&E trailhead. You will make some elevation gains and find a junction that will take you to the farm. From there take the loop trail to the open preserve area. If in doubt just check out the maps and plan accordingly. read more

See all

Wonderful hiking trail for the following reasons: - Plenty of parking - Many diversions/bifurcations so you have plenty of options to choose from - good for all levels of hikers. And you can make it as long or as short as you want it to be - scenic - love the views, greenery all around, wild flowers, open space, wide walking paths - good for kids - has a cute little pet farm - vista points and stops with benches available for picnic This is our go-to hiking spot close to home. We usually hike 8-9 miles here, but there are shorter or longer options too. The only other thing I want to point out is that this trail is relatively more crowded compared to other hiking trails we have been to. Note: dogs and bikes are not allowed, but horses are allowed. This would be a fun hike for kids given the pet farm! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did read more

See all

Rancho San Antonio Preserve is the perfect place for hikers of all levels. Most hikers can opt for the Deer hollow farm where they can find goats, sheep, cows, chickens, roosters, pigs, rabbits, and cats. Or they can hike the various trails that range from 2-8 miles. One tip is to come early as parking fills up quickly! read more

See all

Love it here beautiful trails and scenery great for a walk and trail runs bring towel and water on hot day you will need it. Lots of people in the so come before 10am people are always leaving so a few minutes you will get parking spots quickly just wait it out. read more

Nice big open park w/ trails, grassy areas to picnic and run around. Lots and lots or people there walking, etc w/ their families. Picnic tables are available here and there. Plenty of parking, but on the weekend it is very busy. read more

See all

One of my favorite hiking trails at the moment - only a 9 min drive from my house. I try to hike every Sunday morning around 8-9 AM, but went a few times during the last two weeks of Dec to get my end of year cardio in. Parking can be difficult in the morning - there's a few parking lots and I usually wait to see if the super early morning hikers are done so I can snatch their spot as soon as they leave. Quite a few available trails with the PG&E trail (now called Stepeh Abbors I believe) being the hardest (lots of ups and downs... literally). Wildcat and Coyote trail loop is very nice for a 1-2 hour hike up (one way) but still hits your legs hard with lots of shady spots throughout. There's a small farm (Deer Hollow?) where lots of families take their kids to see the animals, about 1.2 mile easy straight road hike if memory serves me. Love how they converter some trails to one way only for social distancing. 99% of folks wear masks, and if they don't, once they come near you they would immediately put it on. Easy drive too! Thanks, Rancho San Antonio Open Preserve! read more

See all

This is a perfect place for a stroll or a hike or anything in between. There are several large lots which I anticipate would get filled on weekends. There are paths in the shade and the sun, flat trails and hills, and of course the opportunity for great views and wildlife sighting like deer and coyotes. read more

Rancho San Antonio Preserve - Parks Near Me - Los Altos, California

I have come here to hike this place many times with my girlfriend, it is our go to because I know there is plenty of parking, a decent amount of shade, and it can be done in a reasonable amount of time. There is a TON of parking, but it always fills up really quick. So you either have to get there early or fight for a spot. There are probably 5 lots total or so, which all fill up, especially on weekends. My most recent visit we arrived around 10am and had to wait maybe 5-10 to get a spot so that wasn't so bad. On the way to the trail I like to go to, there is a little farm that has some livestock and gardens, today was the first time that I have seen it open to people! We got to see some goats, chickens, and sheep. We even got to pet a 9 day old goat which was a nice surprise. The hike itself that I like is about 4 miles round trip starting from the parking lot. The trail is easy, has shade in many spots and wasn't so impacted by the recent storms. There wasn't really any mud and only a small branch blocking one part of the trail which we easily stepped over. The top of the hike has an amazing view of the south Bay Area, it is gorgeous when the skies are clear. It is a fantastic hike that can be done within 2 hours, I highly recommend it. read more

Rancho San Antonio Preserve - Parks Near Me - Los Altos, California

I have been here twice so far. This area is great for a easy workout. Depending on the trail you do, it can be a walk, jog, or hike. From my experience, the area is about 80% shaded. COVID measures are in place (one way traffic on some trails). In terms of running distance, I think you could easily clock in a 2-8 mile run. To do the longer distance, you would have to do more than one trail back to back but I think it's doable to make the distance. I was here most recently at 2pm and there were animals in the farm! I wanted to see cows but I just saw goats. Goats deserve love too even if their eyes weird me out. These ones were cute though and were all wearing collars!! Parking was very easy when I went on Tuesday at 2pm but a little more difficult on Thursday at 6pm. There are a couple different lots so you might have to drive around. There were also bathrooms that were open to the public for use. read more

Rancho San Antonio Preserve - One way sign! No turning back... - Parks Near Me - Los Altos, California

See all

The trails are nice, but this review is strictly for the A-hole who was driving the shining White Tesla today... This Latino family in a Honda Van was waiting for me to get in my car to back out of my spot. White Tesla guy rolls up and starts honking at the Latino family. He gets out of his car, confronts the woman that was driving and asked what her problem is. He tells her that my parking spot was his. Oh hell no. First off, it was clear the Honda got there before you. It's in front of your car idiot, and you have the Audacity to get out and harass a Latino family? It's CLEAR to me you are very privileged with your brand spanking new White Tesla in Los Altos. I looked at him, and I'm said, "They got here first. I saw them." Then this guy tries to argue with me saying she wasn't. I'm like I saw her dude! Don't try to gaslight me. I was standing right there. I told the lady she can have my spot. White Tesla guy starts getting super aggressive, and saying that I'm rude. What? You mad bro, that I didn't take your side and give into your privilege? Are you mad because I called you out? I looked at him, and told him to stop being so aggressive. I also told him he was being rude, and harassed and bullied a family who go there before him. White Tesla Guy if you want ever read this: 1. You are clearly a douche bag, and have issues with woman. 2. Obviously you are use to having your way, because you got upset when someone called you on your Bullsh*t 3. I can't believe this is the type of behavior is ok for you to act out on in front of your 14 year old son. Shame on you White Tesla guy! Don't try me, I will call you out again if you decide to act like a bully. Or use your privileged money to buy you an island. No one wants to deal with your immaturity. read more

See all