Fall Farmsteading

Rolling hills alight with the leaves of deciduous oaks; maples abloom with orange hues; persimmon trees flowering along fence lines—fall has arrived at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve! And there are over 24 miles of trails to help you revel in the autumnal bounty. The main attraction here? Deer Hollow Farm, the preserve's 160-year-old historic ranch where visitors can participate in a working homestead. Take a self-guided historical tour past iron stoves and spinning wheels in the preserved 1850s caretakers' home, ramble through a charming organic orchard and garden, and get acquainted with the residents: a rotating crew of chickens, cows, sheep, goats, ducks, and geese. Not to mention sow Clove and her massive boar beau Wilbur's three male piglets, newly farrowed August 6! Extend the 1-mile walk along the fences for deers from the main parking lot to the farm by continuing on to the Wildcat Loop Trailhead. This 3-mile (round-trip) trail follows the creek into a fern-walled narrow canyon before ascending through chaparral to open meadows on the middle ridge and back to Deer Hollow. On a clear day, spectacular views of Mount Tam, Mount Hamilton, and Silicon Valley can be enjoyed from the trail's highest lookout—Vista Point.

From I-280 take the Foothill Blvd. exit, proceed south, and turn almost immediately right onto Cristo Rey Dr. Continue for about 1 mile, veer right around the traffic circle, and turn left into the County Park entrance. There are several free parking lots. Arrive early on weekends; parking fills up fast! On foot, follow signs for 1 mile to Deer Hollow Farm. The trailhead for Wildcat Loop is located just past the farm. Farm is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Early 1:00 p.m. closing on Wednesdays. No dogs.