Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve

22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA

Address:	22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
Phone:	+1 650-691-1200
Site:	openspace.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Jimmy Vales

Five stars only based on the memory I had of going to this place around 2007 - 2009. Now, yes, I do the favor of introducing people to the dizzying number of turns and intersections of this place before cutting them loose to visit on their own, but it is no longer the weekly weekend trek of the grueling PG&E trail or just to get outside for one of the quicker, easier loops. PARKING has become a stress-inducer. People have gotten ugly. I have witnessed a parking confrontation primarily due to the arrogance of one driver and nearly became involved in one myself had I arrived just seconds sooner. Throughout the years, the grounds and trails have been well maintained, though I attribute the wider trails to people not staying within the boundaries. Wildlife sightings are hit or miss, but I have seen a banded snake, a rattlesnake that was within striking distance but luckily too young to know that I was a potential threat, deer, turkey, hares, pheasants, ground squirrels, birds of flight that Im too ignorant to identify, and my favorite: a California Newt. So, if you dont know any better, have never been, want to get outside, need to work in some cardio, like natures creatures, then try the place out. Youll figure out when to go so actually can find a parking spot. And people of all ages are afoot on weekends, so it really is a place for a everyone - hence its popularity.

kaleem b

What a contrast to the gridlocked concrete torture of Silicon Valley. Only 20 minutes drive from there, u can quickly experience that kind of arid, almost starched beauty that reflects this region well. The hike is quite easy, with a wide mostly paved pathways snaking around the hills. The views are spectacular of the mellow landscape. Shame about the obscene electric power lines... 1 star less for that. Honestly after a dog-eat-dog binary-focused day trapped in the tentacles of whatever tech business u slave away for, this is like sinking smoothly into a lush golden bath of melodies that stroke ur soul.

Fabrice Nye

Rancho San Antonio is a preserve that combines both accessibility (it is right on the border of Los Altos/Los Altos Hills) and enough miles of trails to pack in a serious hike for the day. You could hike nearly 19 miles from the main parking lot up to Black Mountain and back, or you can exit the preserve at Hidden Villa and get ferried back from Moody Road to your car. The main area, within a mile of the parking lot and the Deer Hollow farm can feel crowded on weekends, but start hiking out a mile, and youll start to find the solitude enjoyed by most serious hikers.

Leonard Kruwel

Miles of varied and well maintained trails. An urban treasure. Only issue is that parking is, more often than not, inadequate, as the lots usually fill up by late AM until too late to start out. This despite that, once past Deer Hollow Farm and onto the Trail network, one can hike for an hour and not see another person. Could really use more access for more folks to enjoy. Note in 30+ years, I have see exactly 1 Coyote, never the warned Mountain Lions or Rattlesnakes, but you will definitely see Deer, Squirrels, Quail, Wild Turkey and the occasional Rabbit.

Raymond Durk

There is something for everyone here and it is just one of the many reasons this is a much better place to go than Mission Peak or Communication Hill. It is outdoors in a scenic area and the trails are well maintained. Just dont go after it rains. The trails very in length such as moderate trails like Wildcat Loop or much harder ones such as the PG&E trail. Although if you do the PG&E trail on a clear day you can see San Francisco not to mention the abundance of wildlife from deer to snakes.

Eric Gavaletz

I was really surprised at how much wildlife I saw along the trail. Humming birds, quail, rabbits, chipmunks, lizards, mice, cool blue birds, and the list goes on. The trails are very well maintained if not a little too wide. Plenty of room to stretch your legs, but not enough room to escape the rude groups of people who think the trail is the perfect place for loud conversations. It also seems impossible to get away from the buzz of high tension power lines in this area.

Don V

Love coming here. It has something for everyone. For families, the trails are easy to run on, and on certain days there is a small farm with goats and other animals for the kids to see. For the runners, theres enough paths where you can leave the crowd and go on to more challenging runs. They have nice vista points to reward yourself to getting the top. Parking can be tough but not impossible, its ok to park up the hill. Youre going to be walking anyways.

Kensi Adams

I live right near the park and it is a dream come true. I do hikes ranging 4 miles to 8.5. I have memorized the trails in this park. I was hiking an someone asked me for directions and I led them straight where the wanted to go. It is a beautiful place. I am so blessed to live in a town with such a beautiful space to take a leisurely walk or a hard-core uphill hike. Rancho is an amazing park and I hope I will be able to enjoy for years to come.

Jay Paroline

Awesome nature here. Its not at all uncommon to see free range turkeys, deer, quail and of course lots of ground squirrels. And the farm is sure to be a great attraction for kids, with pigs, cows, ducks and chickens. Besides the animals, the hike up towards the farm is admittedly kind of boring, lots of open space and not a lot of trees, it can be pretty brutal on the hottest days, but once you get into the forest its quite pleasant.

wilemutt07

I was saddened by the end of our walk many years ago by the area you call the "farm". I am appalled by the breeding of the sows you have there and the cute little piglets that will have to be slaughtered for bacon on somebodys pizza. Please consider the humane route. It would be far better to save the ones who are downed en route to slaughter. Please stop raising pigs for meat! Thank you, N. Chiodo, (back to being an Oregonian).

Andrew Sutherland

Tons of great hiking that is super convenient if you live locally! There are definitely more scenic hikes out there, but its hard to expect too much when its surrounded by South Bay suburban sprawl. Still, I really like hiking here, and if youre willing to take the time to go further into the hills, there are some trails where you feel like you really are getting away and out into nature. If you live nearby, check it out!

Simona Bacon

Always too crowded, NO PARKING space. We had to park a mile away. I walked to the farm whit a 2 years old, anxious to see the animals and we were told that they had a found raising event and we had to pay $7/ea to get in!! REALLY!? "How about posting a sign at the beginning of the trails going to the farm?" That would have save me a little guy disappointment and the unfruitful walk....

Chris Daw

Ive hiked every trail in this preserve and I will never get tired of them. The parking lot can get a little busy, but theyre adding an extension to it so itll be better very soon. Great place for running, hiking, bird watching, some horseback riding, and theres even a little farm! This is my go to place to take friends for a day hike anywhere from 2 to 16 mile loop trails.