Residents of Cupertino and Saratoga will find Fremont Older Open Space Preserve of particular interest because of its proximity and richness in local history. Located on the urban fringe and extending towards Mt. Eden Road to the south and Stevens Creek County Park to the west, the 739-acre Preserve offers a variety of experiences to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Visitors are usually attracted to the open hayfields, Seven Springs Canyon, and Hunters Point, a 900-foot hilltop offering sweeping views of the Santa Clara Valley. To the west are chaparral and oak covered ridges dropping steeply to Stevens Canyon.

There are approximately nine miles of trails connecting Prospect Road to Regnart Road and Stevens Creek County Park. A popular hike is from the Prospect Road entrance up through the hayfield to Hunters Point and then around the Seven Springs Trail loop.

Located on the Fremont Older Preserve is the historic "Woodhills" home. The house was built in 1914 and purchased by the District in 1975. It has been restored to near-original design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is leased as a private residence and is open to the public only during annually scheduled docent-led tours in the spring.

HOW TO GET THERE

The preserve entrance is on Prospect Road in Cupertino. Exit Highway 85 at De Anza Boulevard. (From northbound 85 turn left on De Anza Blvd. and from southbound 85 turn right on De Anza Blvd.) Travel on De Anza Blvd. (towards the mountains) about 0.5 miles. Turn right on Prospect Rd. At the first stop sign, turn left and cross the railroad tracks to remain on Prospect Rd. Follow Prospect Rd. for 1.3 miles, turning left after the Saratoga Country Club, until the preserve parking lot is reached. Limited parking, for approximately 15 cars, is available here. Additional parking (there is a parking fee) is located in Stevens Creek County Park adjacent to Stevens Canyon Road.