El Sereno Preserve

Overview

Hours

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

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.

The multiuse Montevina Ridge and Aquinas Trails offer an approximately eight-mile out-and-back route along the ridge, giving visitors spectacular panoramic views of Sierra Azul and St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserves, Lexington Reservoir and Silicon Valley. While exploring this preserve, visitors may enjoy the fragrant smells of the California bay laurel and a variety of shrubs common in the chaparral habitat, including chamise, coyote bush and yerba santa. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of the mule deer, coyote, gopher snakes and brush rabbits that make their homes in the San Tomas Aquino Creek, Los Gatos Creek and Upper Los Gatos Creek watersheds.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: All Trails

Equestrian: Designated Trails

Dogs on Leash: All Trails

No Easy Access

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Not Available

Download Map Trail Closures

Preserve Highlights & Features

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

A Step Forward for the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings

In December, Midpen is finalizing the purchase of a 35-acre property near the Lexington Reservoir…

Highway 17 Trail Overcrossing Location Selected

Midpen reached a major milestone in the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project. In May, the…

Midpen’s Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project Moves Forward

Midpen is entering a critical stage in its Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project. This…

Trail Tales - November 2021

A key thread that runs throughout Midpen’s Vision Plan is our community’s commitment to regional…

Taking the Long View

How a recent land purchase highlights Midpen's 50-year commitment to community conservation goals.

Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is working together with project stakeholders, partner…

Know Before You Go

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

Bicyclists: Bicycles are allowed on designated trails only (marked on map). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). E-bikes are not allowed on most Midpen trails. Avoid startling hikers and equestrians by announcing your presence when approaching from behind. For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed only on designated trails in this preserve (marked on map) and must be controlled on a 6-foot or less leash. Self-retracting leashes are allowed with a maximum extended length of 25 feet. Extended leashes must be locked at 6’ when in the presence of other visitors. Visitors may have no more than three dogs per person. Bag dog waste and take it with you. Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access. For more information visit the Dog Access page.

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 permit is required to park in the Overlook Permit Parking Area.

Permit applications should be submitted at least two business days in advance of the permit date requested. Applications submitted less than two business days in advance may be given consideration but cannot be guaranteed to be processed in time for the requested permit date.
The permit is valid for a specific date.
Permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of six permits issued per day and 30 permits issued per month.

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 >

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.

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 .
Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians.
When biking, obey speed limit and ride in control. Avoid startling hikers and equestrians by announcing your presence when approaching from behind.
When visiting with dogs, follow dog access guidelines.
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.

In Case of Emergency

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

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El Sereno Preserve

Overview

Aquinas Trail

Overlook Trail