a view of Lexington Reservoir from El Sereno

El Sereno Preserve

Aquinas Trail, El Sereno Preserve (Todd Ditchendorf)

Overview

El Sereno Open Space Preserve is named for 2,500-foot Mount El Sereno, part of a prominent ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains that is located south of the city of Saratoga and west of the town of Los Gatos. A distinctive scenic backdrop to these cities, the 1,614-acre preserve rises from the foothills up steep slopes to the ridgeline. It is primarily an exposed chaparral community with meadows at higher elevations and a few shaded areas near creeks. El Sereno’s seven miles of wide, gradual trails are open for hiking, biking and dog walking, as well as horseback riding on designated trails.

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Hiking: All Trails
Hiking: All Trails
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Bicycling: All Trails
Bicycling: All Trails
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Equestrian: Designated Trails
Equestrian: Designated Trails
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Dogs on Leash: All Trails
Dogs on Leash: All Trails
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No Easy Access
No Easy Access
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Camping: No Camping
Camping: No Camping
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Restrooms: Not Available
Restrooms: Not Available

Preserve Highlights & Features

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View from El Sereno Preserve with landmarks labeled / photo by Aaron Peth
View from El Sereno Preserve (Aaron Peth)

Views

Most of your walk or ride will be filled with terrific views of the valley, Lexington Reservoir and Sierra Azul and St. Joseph's Hill preserves.

Stories from the Preserves

Nature

Here are some of the plants and animals that other visitors have observed at this preserve and recorded in iNaturalist. Protected species may be excluded and some species may not yet have been observed. Help improve iNaturalist by adding your observations to the Midpen Biodiversity Index project

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Know Before You Go

Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife. 

History

El Sereno Preserve was acquired in 1975 and gave Midpen an early opportunity to protect land in the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno area.