Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve

Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, CA

EntryFree entry
Source
ParkingNo parking fee
Source
DogsNot allowed
Source
HoursSunrise to sunset ±30 min
Source
Size
769 acres Source
Managed by
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

About Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve

A 1,600-acre preserve at the junction of Highways 35 and 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Source

Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve is a 1,600-acre outdoor adventure located at the junction of Highway 35 and Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Sempervirens Fund provided critical support for acquisition of portions of this preserve.
From the official park page · checked Oct 15, 2026

Facilities

  • RestroomsNot available

Facility details: official park information

Sunrise & sunset

Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve hours follow the sun (Sunrise to sunset ±30 min). Mid-month times for this location:

MonthSunriseSunset
Jan7:21 a.m.5:12 p.m.
Feb6:58 a.m.5:46 p.m.
Mar7:21 a.m.7:14 p.m.
Apr6:35 a.m.7:42 p.m.
May6:00 a.m.8:08 p.m.
Jun5:47 a.m.8:29 p.m.
Jul5:59 a.m.8:29 p.m.
Aug6:24 a.m.8:02 p.m.
Sep6:49 a.m.7:18 p.m.
Oct7:15 a.m.6:33 p.m.
Nov6:47 a.m.4:59 p.m.
Dec7:14 a.m.4:52 p.m.

Calculated from the park's coordinates (NOAA solar equations), Pacific time.

Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve at a glance

PPP
  • PParking · 3
  • Named trails · 2

Outline: CPAD. Points and trail lines: OpenStreetMap contributors. Not for navigation.

Trails

TrailMapped lengthElevationSurface & uses
Saratoga Gap Trail1 mi363 ft up & down2,487–2,720 ftUnpavedBikesHorsesNo dogsPaved
Charcoal Road0.4 mi204 ft up & down2,117–2,321 ftBikesHorsesNo dogs

Trail names and mapped lengths come from OpenStreetMap; lengths count only the part inside the park boundary. Up-and-down totals (climbing plus descent, one way) and elevation ranges are estimates from USGS 3DEP elevation (about 15 m grid) sampled along the mapped line. Use the official guide map for the route and current closures.

Rules & reservations

Official park page

    Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.

    Map & directions

    1Location overview · map data © OpenStreetMap

    37.261512, -122.110112Get directions

    Nearby parks

    Straight-line distance
    Stevens Creek County ParkCupertino · 1.8 mi · BBQ Grills, Boat LaunchPicchetti Ranch Open Space PreserveCupertino · 2.3 mi · Drinking Water, Picnic AreaSanborn County ParkSaratoga · 3.0 mi · Camping, Drinking WaterFremont Older Open Space PreserveCupertino · 3.2 mi · RestroomsMonte Bello Open Space PreservePalo Alto · 3.9 mi · Camping, Drinking Water

    Continue exploring

    Santa Clara County parks Parks in Palo Alto

    Sources & verification

    Last verified: Oct 15, 2026
    1. California Protected Areas Database (CPAD) 2026aname, county, agency, access, acres
    2. Midpen preserve pageofficial_url, hours, hours_note, dogs, facilities.restrooms, description
    3. Midpen visitor FAQ (no entry or parking fees)fees
    4. OpenStreetMap facilities and trailstrails
    5. U.S. Census Bureau place boundaries (nearest place)city
    6. OpenStreetMap: parking, restrooms, water, trailheads, trail lines, and bus stopsvisit
    7. Terrain Tiles elevation (USGS 3DEP), sampled every 20 m along OpenStreetMap trail linestrails.elevation
    8. Official park page (introduction excerpt)intro
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