DestinationOn the edge of Saratoga is a great dog-friendly open space area, the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. Dogs are allowed on every trail in the preserve provided they are leashed. Since this is one of only ten other dog-friendly preserves managed by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (here's the complete list), it seems to be a very popular area for dog owners. We saw several happy dogs and their friendly owners on the trail.
We chose the Hunters Point hike, selected out of the Peninsula Tales & Trails guide by David Weintraub. This hike starts at the parking area off Prospect Road where you can choose from three different access points. Trying to avoid the crowds that were going for the most visible trail, the Cora Older Trail, we sta
rted out on the Creekside Trail, just a small walk up the road from the parking area. This trail is designated by a sign and a staircase that takes you down closer to creek level. This section of the hike was fully shaded and very nice. From that section, we joined up with a small section of the Cora Older Trail which then led us to the Hayfield Trail, both much less shaded, but instead affording quite a few nice views. Hayfield Trail takes you up to Hunters Point. There is a short steep section to get to the top, but the view is well worth it. Clark particularly enjoyed it, planting his front paws on the wooden railing to get a better view.
From Hunters Point, we continued on the Seven Springs Trail which forms a loop with the other trails to end you at the parking area again. This trail was variably shaded and sunny and changed elevation several times, though not drastically. Besides the Creekside Trail, this was the quietest section. The highlight was spotting a deer bounding away when it got the scent of Clark.
Only a three-mile hike, this loop is great for a quick morning jaunt. We left our house at 9am and were home by 11:30am. 2 and a half hours is not bad for some exercise and a little nature. I definitely recommend this hike to anyone looking to spend some quality time outdoors with their pooch.
View Fremont Older Open Space Preserve in a larger map
