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Foothills Open Space Preserve sits within the town of Los Altos Hills in Santa Clara County, California, managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD). Covering several hundred acres of rolling terrain along the eastern flanks of the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills, the preserve offers a genuine slice of the Bay Area's natural landscape just minutes from the dense suburban fabric of the Peninsula.
The preserve is characterized by mixed oak woodland, chaparral, and seasonal grassland. Trails wind through areas shaded by coast live oak and blue oak, opening periodically onto ridgelines with views stretching across the South Bay toward the Diablo Range. The landscape shifts noticeably with the seasons — golden and dry in summer, vivid green after the first winter rains.
This is a quiet, relatively low-profile preserve compared to nearby Rancho San Antonio or Windy Hill, which means it sees less foot traffic and can feel genuinely peaceful even on weekends. It is well-suited to walkers, hikers, trail runners, and leashed-dog owners. Mountain biking is permitted on some trails — verify current trail-use designations on the MROSD website before visiting.
Before You Go
No admission fee is charged to enter Foothills Open Space Preserve, consistent with MROSD's policy across most of its properties. However, verify current access rules, parking availability, and any permit requirements directly with MROSD at openspace.org, as conditions and regulations can change.
What to Bring
- Water: there are no water fountains or facilities inside the preserve; carry more than you think you need, especially in warm months
- Sun protection: exposed ridgeline sections offer little shade
- Trail map: download or print the official MROSD trail map before arrival; cell signal can be unreliable in parts of the preserve
- Sturdy footwear: trails are natural-surface and can be muddy and slippery after rain
Regulations to Know
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times
- Horses are permitted on designated trails — check the map
- No camping, no open fires
- Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitat
- Pack out all trash
California's tick season is year-round but peaks spring through fall. Check yourself and pets for ticks after any visit. Poison oak is present throughout the preserve; learn to identify it before your hike.
Getting There
Foothills Open Space Preserve is accessed via trailheads off Foothills Road and Page Mill Road in Los Altos Hills. The area is almost entirely oriented around private car access — there is no meaningful public transit serving the trailheads directly.
By Car: From US-101 or Interstate 280, navigate to Foothills Road or Page Mill Road in Los Altos Hills. Parking areas at the trailheads are small; arrive early on weekends to secure a space. Verify exact parking lot locations and any seasonal closures on the MROSD website before departure.
By Bicycle: Cyclists comfortable with moderate road riding can reach the preserve from the El Camino Real corridor or from Palo Alto. Foothills Road has no dedicated bike lane and carries vehicle traffic, so road-riding experience is advisable.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Dropping off at a trailhead is feasible, but pickup in the preserve's rural roads can be unreliable — plan accordingly and do not rely solely on rideshare for your return.
Getting Around
Movement within the preserve is on foot, by horse, or by mountain bike (on permitted trails). The trail network is relatively compact compared to larger MROSD holdings. Most visitors do an out-and-back or short loop and return to their vehicle.
Pick up or download the official MROSD trail map for Foothills Open Space Preserve. Trail junctions are generally signed, but signage in less-traveled sections can be minimal. GPS apps such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS have community-contributed tracks for this preserve that can supplement the official map, though always cross-reference with MROSD's current information.
Things to See & Do
Hiking and Trail Running
The preserve's trails range from easy, nearly flat paths suitable for casual walkers to steeper routes climbing to open ridgelines. The ridgeline sections reward visitors with views that can extend to the South Bay on clear days. Spring wildflower displays — blue-eyed grass, California poppy, and lupine among them — are a seasonal highlight typically peaking February through April.
Wildlife Observation
The oak woodland and chaparral support a diverse range of wildlife. Deer are commonly seen, particularly in early morning and late afternoon. Raptors including red-tailed hawk and American kestrel hunt the open grassland areas. Coyotes are present throughout the preserve. Amphibians including California newts may be encountered near seasonal stream channels after rain. Rare and sensitive species may also use the preserve — stay on trails and observe from a respectful distance.
Photography
The combination of mature oak canopy, open grassland, and Bay Area panoramic views makes the preserve a rewarding location for landscape and nature photography. Golden-hour light in the late afternoon illuminates the hills particularly well in the dry season.
Connection to Adjacent Lands
Foothills Open Space Preserve can be explored in conjunction with nearby Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and County Park, which offers an expanded trail network, a farm animal area (Deer Hollow Farm), and more developed visitor facilities. Verify current trail connections between properties with MROSD.
Practical Information
Facilities
Facilities at Foothills Open Space Preserve are minimal. There are no restrooms, water stations, or visitor centers inside the preserve. Some trailhead parking areas may have a portable toilet — verify locally. Plan to be self-sufficient for the duration of your visit.
Emergency Contact
In a medical emergency, call 911. Cell service is partially available but not guaranteed throughout the preserve. For non-emergency ranger contact, use the MROSD ranger dispatch line — number listed at openspace.org.
Seasonal Conditions
Trails may be temporarily closed during and after heavy rain to prevent erosion damage. MROSD posts closures on its website and social media channels. Summer fire risk is high in the Bay Area foothills; check any active fire or air quality advisories before visiting.
Nearest Services
Gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants are available in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Palo Alto — all within a short drive. There are no services within the preserve itself or immediately adjacent to the trailheads.
Safety
Foothills Open Space Preserve is generally a safe environment for outdoor recreation. Standard backcountry precautions apply despite the preserve's proximity to suburban areas.
- Wildlife: Mountain lions are present in the broader Santa Cruz Mountains ecosystem and have been documented in MROSD preserves. MROSD provides guidance on mountain lion encounters — read it before visiting. Do not hike alone in remote sections if you are concerned; make noise on trails.
- Heat: Summer temperatures in the Bay Area foothills can exceed 90°F (32°C). Carry at least 2 liters of water per person for any hike longer than one hour. Hike early in the day during heat events.
- Ticks and Poison Oak: Both are common. Wear long pants tucked into socks in tall grass, apply insect repellent, and perform a full-body tick check after your visit.
- Trail Conditions: Natural-surface trails become slippery when wet. Waterproof footwear with traction is recommended after rainfall.
- Navigation: Download maps offline before entering the preserve. Do not rely solely on cellular data.
