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Once again we found the driving directions from a book inadequate and
ended up circling back and forth past the Madrone and Sycamore group areas.
The lot is actually unmarked, so my best stab at directions is above. The
parking area only has enough space for about 4 or 5 cars without blocking
the gate.
After parking, we walked past the gate and turn right onto the
signed Lookout Trail, which heads parallels the road for a bit as it heads
toward the Madrone group area. The first half of this hike is pretty much a
steady climb along a completely shaded well-maintained narrow trail just wide
enough for one person. Along the way are lots of ferns and oaks.
The trail passes the Madrone group area, and then the Sycamore group area.
Stay on the left forks, avoiding the side trails to those areas. The trail
then switchbacks up to a ridge. You'll get glimpses of views to the right,
but the climbing continues for quite some time after the first views.
Eventually we reached the intersection with Fremont Older Open Space Preserve.
The scenery here is completely different -- instead of dense forest you'll
be greeted with open, rolling green hills.
Perfect shady oak tree for a lunch stop
Looking further along the trail
Looking back at Stevens Creek County Park
A power transmission tower mars the scene, but we spotted a big oak further
along the trail which looked like the perfect place for a lunch break. To
get there, we continued down into Fremont Older, then turned right onto the
first trail, stopping underneath the big oak and settling down on the grass
beneath it. While we rested and ate, several groups of equestrians passed
by. We also saw an occasional mountain biker.
While horses and bikes aren't allowed on the trail in Stevens Creek County Park,
they area allowed in Fremont Older.
Garrod Farms
After a long break, we retraced our steps, returning along exactly the same
path back to the parking area.
Walking along the trail
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