Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve

Overview

Hours

Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve icon

Located three miles south of Los Gatos, Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has over 10 miles of hiking and equestrian trails that meander along cool perennial creeks and through 1,430 acres of a second-growth redwood forest, extensive areas of Douglas fir and oak woodland. Higher elevations offer expansive views of the Sierra Azul Range. Near the parking area is a short easy-access, self-guided interpretive trail that circumnavigates Upper Lake. The preserve's beautiful and biologically rich ecosystem provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats, western pond turtles, a few species of bats, Santa Cruz black salamanders and California giant salamanders, belted kingfishers, northern red-shafted flickers, and many other birds - both year-round residents and migratory species. It is not uncommon to catch sight of a bald eagle overhead!

Midpen partnered with Peninsula Open Space Trust to purchase and protect the property that would become Bear Creek Redwood Preserve in the late 1990s, acquiring the land, which includes the Bear Creek Stables, in 1999. Prevented from becoming a golf course and country club with luxury residences by a coalition of environmental activists, the land was far from pristine. It was extensively logged in the mid-1800s and briefly became a fish farm before being developed into a massive self-sufficient estate that passed between a couple of California's wealthiest families. The Catholic order of the Society of Jesus later repurposed the estate buildings to open Alma College, a theologate to train Jesuit priests. Midpen is in the long process of ecologically sensitive vegetation management to restore the native landscape and promote biodiversity, while still preserving aspects of the cultural landscape that tell this land’s stories.

Thanks to District voters' support of Measure AA, Midpen completed the first of several phased public access projects in 2019. The Alma College site and an additional 15 miles of trail, including a new multiuse regional trail connection, will be phased in over the next fifteen years.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: Not Permitted

Equestrian: Designated Trails

Dogs on Leash: Not Permitted

Easy Access: Designated Trails

Parking: Designated Areas

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Available

Kid Friendly

Download Map Trail Closures

Preserve Highlights & Features

Redwoods

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve was named, in part, for the lush redwood groves that cover the slopes. It is one of Santa Clara County’s best preserved, second-growth redwood forests - most of the trees you'll see are less than 150 years old. Between 1850 and 1900, the rapid growth of San Francisco and San Jose fueled a high demand for lumber, and most of the old-growth trees in the region were felled. A few old-growth redwoods remain, likely passed over by loggers because of their unusual shapes, and are accessible from the trails.

Stories from the Preserves

New Trails Opening This Fall at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve

New trails will soon be open at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Midpen is nearing the…

Bear Creek Stables Ad Hoc Committee

The Bear Creek Stables Ad Hoc Committee is charged to work with community members with experience in…

Restoring Nature, Preserving History: Bear Creek Redwoods Landfill Cleanup

As part of Midpen’s mission to reclaim natural areas and restore the land’s natural functions to…

Returning a Former Christmas Tree Farm to its Roots

Within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve sits a 12-acre former Christmas tree farm. While not…

Forest Health Project Reaches Milestone

The Los Gatos Creek Watershed Forest Health Project at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve has reached 200…

Reopening, Repairing and Expanding Access: Multiple Projects Are Underway at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

In August, Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve reopened to visitors after having been closed for…

Know Before You Go

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

Share the Trail

Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury.
Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .
If you’re walking, always yield to equestrians.
Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited.
Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200.

The Madrone Knoll Trail may be CLOSED due to construction in the area. The trail will be OPEN on the weekends.
The Thimbleberry Trail is under construction and will be CLOSED through the winter. The newly built trail will need to over-winter, meaning once construction is complete, the new path will need time for the soil to compact and stabilize, leading to a more resilient and durable trail. The trail is planned to open in Spring of 2025.

Bicyclists: Bikes are NOT allowed in this Preserve. For information on preserves open to bikes visit the Bicycle Access page.

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in this Preserve. For information on dog-friendly preserves visit the Dog Access page. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access.

Drones and Model Aircraft: Drones, model airplanes and model rockets are NOT allowed.

Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails (marked on map). Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.

Fires are prohibited in preserves.
Plants & Wildlife: Please leave undisturbed. If you encounter wildlife during a visit, do not approach, startle or feed it. Although wild animals are generally fearful of humans and will run away, some wildlife can be dangerous.
Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Weapons are prohibited in preserves.

A general access permit is required for any activity or event that:

may be attended by twenty (20) or more people; OR
would restrict the use of any part of Midpen lands by members of the public; OR
requests or requires a fee be paid or a donation made for participation. This includes events where the fee is in the form of a mandatory purchase, such as a t-shirt.

Apply for a permit >

Permits are available for limited equestrian parking at Bear Creek Stables.

Apply for an equestrian parking permit >

Midpen trails and facilities are generally very safe. However, you are entering an environment where there are some naturally occurring hazards. Reasonable caution and common sense should be utilized when venturing into any outdoor environment.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle! Lock your vehicle and store valuables out of sight or take them with you on the trail.
Travel in groups of two or more. Two of more people can assist each other in the event of an accident or emergency.
Dress for the environment. Temperature changes can be occur and you should dress in layers appropriate for the location, time of year and planned activities.
Carry water with you. Drinking water is not available at most Midpen preserves so you should bring your own. Two quarts per person per two hour hike is recommended.
Apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water prior to and during your outdoor activities.
Be aware that cell service is very sporadic on the preserves.

Be Prepared and Aware

Plan ahead before you leave. Check regulations and weather, download a map, pack water and first aid.
Know your limits and take safety precautions.
Rattlesnakes are native to this area and are especially active in warm weather.
Poison oak grows on most preserves: Learn to identify and avoid it in all seasons.
Ticks are present in this area and may carry diseases.
Mountain lions are a natural part of this region’s environment and are occasionally seen.

In Case of Emergency

If you experience an emergency (fire, accident or other immediate threat to life or property), call 911. For non-emergencies, call 650-691-1200.

History

At one time, the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains were covered with old-growth redwood forests with trees several hundred years old. Between 1850 and 1900, the rapid growth of San Francisco and San Jose fueled a high demand for lumber, and most of the old-growth trees in the region were felled. When the timber industry was replaced by a private estate, a number of orchards and vineyards were established throughout the property. However, Timber harvest continued on some areas well into the mid 1900s. In 1934, the majority of what is now Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve was sold to the Jesuits, who established a theological college, the first of its kind on the west coast.

The college closed in 1969, and the property was slated to be developed into a golf course and luxury estates. Instead of expansive homes and putting greens, local conservationists saw room to breathe, for plants, wildlife and people. With support from the Committee for Green Foothills, advocates sent letters, made phone calls and spoke at public meetings, voicing their concerns about environmental damage from the proposed development. Meanwhile, Midpen and POST worked together to buy the property so it could be protected in perpetuity. In 1999, thanks to state grants and generous private donations, Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve was created at last.

Learn more about Bear Creek Redwood’s fascinating history through our interactive online experience, including blast-from-the-past photos.