Recreation

All trails at Open Space Authority preserves are available for walking, hiking and running. From short, accessible loops to longer and more challenging trails, your preserves offer experiences for people of all fitness levels and abilities to enjoy nature. Please remember that hikers and walkers must yield to horses on the trails. For more information about hiking tips and guidelines, visit our New Visitors page.

All open space preserves have bike-friendly trails for all skill levels and abilities, including level, paved paths and rugged single-track trails. For safety, bicyclists should use bike bells and only ride as fast as they can brake around sharp turns. Please remember that bikes must always yield to horses and hikers on the trails.

Riding on the trail can be a joyful and freeing experience, and all open space preserves have trails for equestrian use. Whether you are riding to a nearby trail, or trailering your horse to a new location, prepare to make it a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Free horse trailer parking is available at all preserves. Please make a reservation for Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserves or for group rides at all preserves.   

Everyone deserves access to nature, regardless of physical ability or mobility. You can find several accessible and/or paved trails at your open space preserves, along with accessible bathrooms and parking. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.

Whether you’re joining a docent-led hike or leading a school group on a field trip, your open space preserves offer fantastic ways to discover, study and appreciate the natural world.

There are countless ways to enjoy open space and the natural world! Your open space preserves offer opportunities for picnicking, birdwatching, nature photography, painting, reading, meditation and more. No matter how you choose to connect with nature, please remember to respect the land, the wildlife and other visitors. New to nature? Check out our New Visitors page!

With the primary goal of protecting habitat for wildlife, the open space preserves managed by the Open Space Authority have a no-dog/pet policy, except for service animals. For your pets’ health and safety, please leave them at home and never leave them in the car while you hike, regardless of weather conditions. There are many amazing urban and regional parks and trails where dogs are allowed, a number of them created with grants from the Open Space Authority. Check out our guide to dog-friendly hikes in the Santa Clara Valley.