El Sereno Open Space Preserve sits in the hills above Saratoga and Los Gatos, anchored by 2,249-foot Mt. El Sereno that forms a distinctive ridge separating the two towns. The 1,415-acre preserve is mostly chaparral with pockets of woodland near the creeks, and you’ll likely spot deer, coyotes, and brush rabbits moving through the brush as you walk.

The nearly 7.4 miles of wide, gradual trails here offer different experiences depending on where you enter. If you’re coming with your dog on leash, you’ll want the Overlook Trail at the north end—it’s the only section where dogs are permitted. This trail accommodates hikers and bicyclists too, so you’ll see a mix of people out there. The south end trails are open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, but dogs aren’t allowed in that section.

The ridge itself offers a three-mile trek with some genuinely impressive views. You can see across Lexington Reservoir, over to Sierra Azul and St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserves, and across the South Bay. The chaparral here smells distinctive—California bay laurel, chamise, coyote bush, and yerba santa create that dry, peppery scent you get in these foothills.

Parking is tight. There’s a six-car lot near the Overlook Trail trailhead, but you’ll need a free permit to use it. For the southern access off Montevina Road (three miles west of Highway 17 via the Bear Creek Road/Montevina Road exit), there’s only a limited roadside turnout. Water isn’t available on the preserve, so bring what you need for both you and your dog. The trails are open year-round and range from easy to moderate depending on which sections you tackle. Since there’s no fee and the preserve is accessible most of the year, this is a solid option when you want ridge views without fighting crowds, though you’ll need to time your visit when that limited parking is actually available.