Two hikers wearing brown and tan clothing walk towards the camera on a dirt trail through a yellow grass field with oak trees and hills covered in trees in the background.

New Visitors

Nature is for Everyone

Come Discover Nature!

Welcome to your open spaces. At the Open Space Authority, we believe that everyone deserves equitable access to the outdoors and to experience the benefits of nature. Being outside provides opportunities to relax (or get active), spend time with loved ones and get fresh air while appreciating the beauty of nature. If you are new to nature, this page can help get you started!

Four hikers wearing headscarves stand facing each other at the top of a hill on a dirt trail with the morning sun rising behind them, casting long shadows of them towards the camera.

General Information

The Preserves page can help you select a preserve location and activity.
Every preserve has a different opening and closing time, and these change seasonally. Each preserve has a webpage for info on hours, maps, locations, amenities, closures and more.
Learn about accessible facilities and resources on our Accessibility page.
Not ready to head out on your own? We offer many FREE guided nature activities for people of all ages and abilities. Visit our Events page to view upcoming programs.

Basic Preserve Rules to Follow

Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are only allowed on designated trails. Please stay on the trails to protect the preserves and the plants and wildlife that live there.
Pets are not allowed. For their health and safety, please leave them at home and never leave pets in the car while you hike, regardless of weather conditions. For a list of places you can take pets, check out our guide to dog-friendly hikes in the Santa Clara Valley (link).
Drones and flying objects that disturb wildlife such as nesting birds are not allowed.
Fires, fireworks and smoking are prohibited.
Do not feed, disturb, touch, chase or remove wildlife.
Take nothing but pictures and memories! Do not pick or take anything from the preserve, including wildflowers, other plants or rocks.
Do not remove or vandalize preserve facilities, including signs.
Hunting, fishing and trapping are not allowed.
Possession or use of firearms, pellet guns, paintball guns, bows or slingshots is prohibited.
Be considerate to other preserve visitors and share the trail.
Please leave no trace and pack out ALL trash. This includes biodegradable items, such as apple cores and citrus and banana peels.

Before Heading Out

View the list of Alerts & Closures to check for trail or preserve closures or advisories. Be aware of Fire Danger levels and follow all fire use restrictions.
Check the weather forecast for the selected preserve. Always bring layers of clothing and sun protection, no matter the weather.
Download a preserve map PDF from the preserve page or print a copy at home. You can also take a picture of the trail map located at the preserve kiosk. Please note that printed maps are currently not available at Coyote Valley, Rancho Cañada del Oro or Sierra Vista Open Space Preserves.
Pack appropriately for your visit (see our suggested basic packing list below).
Remember to always bring water, as drinking water is not available at the preserves.

A woman with a ponytail and wearing sunglasses and a gray tank top drinking out of a gray and blue reusable water bottle, in front of a blurry background of brown grass-covered hills with trees

What to Bring

Small backpack for extra clothes and equipment
Comfortable and sturdy close-toed shoes
Extra water - drinking water is not available in the preserves
A meal or snacks, especially if hiking with children
Map (physical copy or downloaded on your phone)
A wide-brimmed hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Small first-aid kit
A whistle for emergency use

Accessibility

Preserves

Alerts & Closures

Related Resources

Two hikers wearing shorts and backpacks hike away from the camera up a dirt trail with lush green oak trees in the background

A Beginner's Guide to Hiking

Outdoor activities provide opportunities to spend time with loved ones, appreciate nature, and get some healthy exercise. If you’re new to hiking, this guide from the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority can help get you started. Read the article.

A child wearing pink with a blue hat and her father in gray behind her bend down to look at orange and yellow wildflowers on a dirt trail. Behind them are green hills and other people on the trail

A Parent's Guide to Nature

From physical wellness to mental health and beyond, nature helps children grow and learn about the world around them! Through this Parent and Caregiver’s Guide to Nature, we hope to instill confidence in your abilities to explore nature with the children in your care and discover local spaces to test out your new knowledge. Read the article.

A Guide to Keeping Wildlife (and Yourself) Safe

When you visit a park or open space, you step into the home of a variety of plants and animals. While you are likely to see small critters like birds, ground squirrels and insects on the trail, you may also see more elusive and commonly misunderstood creatures like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions and rattlesnakes. Learn how you can protect local wildlife (and yourself) out on the trail. Read the article.

A pair of hikers wearing raincoats walks away from the camera down a wet and muddy trail, with city lights below them through a misty haze

Open Space Wet Weather & Winter Guide

Rain brings new growth, running streams, creeks and salamanders, but can also make for wet and slippery conditions out on the trails. Check out our tips to help you navigate nature during wet winter weather. Read the article.