From Farm to Forest

Beautiful views, tree-lined trails, a working farm … Rancho San Antonio Open Space is filled with delights from wildflowers to wildlife, and seriously cute farm animals. See it all on this 5-mile loop through the Cupertino woods.

From the main parking lot, start along the Rancho San Antonio Bike Path. This hard-packed dirt trail curves alongside a paved service road, making this an accessible path for those with strollers or wheelchairs. Follow signs for Deer Hollow Farm and be on the lookout for deer and wild turkeys who frequent this stretch of trail.

At the farm, take some time to enjoy this 160-year-old homestead, which includes adorable farm animals, herb and veggie gardens, and a covered picnic area for visitors.

Continue onto Rogue Valley Trail, and then turn left onto the Wildcat Loop Trail. (Accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers ends at this point.) This series of wooded switchbacks leads hikers up to the High Meadow Vista Point, an open hilltop with a view of the Santa Clara Valley, San Francisco Bay, and the surrounding mountains.

Once you’ve soaked up the scenery, continue along the Wildcat Loop Trail another mile before bearing right onto the Farm Bypass Trail. This shaded path leads hikers up above the farm, where you can still take in the sights and sounds, away from the crowds. Enjoy the first hints of springtime wildflowers as you follow Coyote Trail back to the parking lots, then turn left to return to the main lot.

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve is located at 22500 Cristo Rey Dr., Cupertino. From I-280, take the Foothill Blvd. exit and proceed south on Foothill Blvd. for 0.2 mile. Turn right on Cristo Rey Dr. After about a mile, veer right at the traffic circle, and turn left into the park. Bicycles and horses are allowed on designated trails. No dogs.