The best place to observe nature

Spring has come earlier than usual to California this year. With temperatures around 70 degrees and drought conditions prevailing for most of the winter, it may be the perfect time to go out and explore the nature around Saratoga. One of the great things to do in this weather is go hiking.

Fremont Older Open Space Preserve,  is one of the great  hiking places to wind down after a stressful week of school or to go out and just enjoy nature. With an entrance at the end of Prospect Road, the preserve is a nearby attraction, around eight minutes away, for anyone in Saratoga to enjoy.

The park offers 14.7 miles of trails and over 700 acres of wildlife for the public. With trail loops ranging from 2 miles to 8 miles, it offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities for both the avid hiker and the average person wanting to take a stroll.

One of the great beginner trails that anyone can try is the two mile hike to Hunter’s point, a popular hilltop at the preserve. With its moderate inclines, the trail is one even out-of-shape hikers can conquer.

At the top of Hunter’s Point, visitors will see a sweeping view of the Santa Clara Valley and the nearby trails and natural life. With a bench and rest stops, the top of the hill is a relaxing way to pass time with friends and family. For those who want more of a challenge, hiking up the steeper 3-mile hike to Nob Hill or the 4-mile hike to Maisie's Peak is more strenuous but also provides an amazing view.

The preserve is dog-friendly, so people who come hiking can bring along their dogs for the enjoyable walk.

For those who would rather not walk the trails, the preserve allows visitors to ride on their horses and bikes. With most of the preserve open to bikes and horses for free, the preserve is able to accommodate everyone and everything into a local attraction.

With over 14 miles of trails and wide variety of views, Fremont Older is a local nature spot which everyone will enjoy.