Fremont Older Open Space Preserve sits in the hills above Saratoga and Cupertino, offering 739 acres of oak woodland, chaparral, and grassland with a well-maintained trail network. The preserve is named for Fremont Older, the San Francisco newspaper editor who owned the land in the early 20th century and who, along with his wife Cora, was known for hosting a salon of writers, politicians, and intellectuals at their hilltop ranch house.
The trails range from easy creek-side walks to steeper climbs with panoramic views over the Santa Clara Valley. The Hunters Point Loop is the most popular circuit, offering good views and a sense of real countryside within 10 miles of downtown San Jose. The preserve is managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and is free to enter. Dogs are welcome on designated trails. A useful complement to a visit to Hakone Gardens or Montalvo Arts Center nearby.