Nob Hill via Toyon Trail(edit)

based on 23 tracks & routes | |

EASY

#2 hike out of 18 in Fremont Older Open Space Preserve |

EASY

4.3 mi

Distance

2 hrs 16 min

Time

517 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a easy loop trail to Nob Hill in Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. The hike starts at the end of Prospect Road and can easily be extended along nearby trails. For example, heading out of (or back into) the parking lot you have the choice of taking the Creekside Trail. And along the Coyote Ridge Trail, the Vista Loop and Fern Trails are available for a change of pace.

Nob Hill isn't a particularly interesting destination because there isn't much of a view. But the trail goes by Maisie's Peak which is always worth the short side-spur for the view of Santa Clara Valley.

The trail is open to and popular with bicyclists and equestrians (because the park is adjacent to Garrod Farms). And it's a popular location because it's so close to the valley floor. There's a nice mixture of wooded and open areas. The open areas can get quite warm during warm summer days, so prepare accordingly.

Getting Started

Parking is available at the end of Prospect Road near the Saratoga Golf Course. There's a net over the parking area so you no longer have to worry about stray golf balls causing damage to your car. The parking fills up often on weekends and while there isn't room to park along Prospect near the parking lot, there's space at the junction of Prospect and Rolling Hills Road about a quarter mile away.

Taking Children

Rated 5 out of 10 for children. The trails are excellent for walking but there's enough elevation and distance to challenge kids.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

Allenb 5 years, 6 months ago

Spring hiking is great in the Bay Area because the hills are green and the flowers are blooming. I parked at the Prospect Rd. entrance—there usually isn't a prarking problem mid-week—and headed up to the Toyon Trail, turned around at Garrod Farms, then returned via the Coyote Ridge Trail in order to stop at Maisie's Peak. The trails were dry and in mostly in good condition although there were a couple of places on this route that were cordoned off due to winter rain damage; one on the West side of the Toyon Trail and another along the Vista Loop Trail. In both cases, the area around the winter slide had dried out enough to allow safe passage, but the park apparently wants to repair the damage before opening the trails. Not a big deal since there are alternate routes available.

★ ★ ★ ★