Fremont Older is a real "diamond in the rough". Not as strenuous as many other nearby parks, but it is really a grand quick get away. I both hike and mountain bike there regularly. FYI: once a year (around April) they open the actual restored Fremont Older home on site. There is a lot of history shown there. There are numerous paths that are hiking/horse only thus mntn bikers don't rule the tracks. Great place for a quick visit.
I have been here many times no the trails pretty well. And its right around the corner from one of my jobs. love it rolling hills, can be hot in summer though and dry. but good hiking and biking for locally.
We do a 5 mile loop here every weekend. There are 5 big hills in our loop and each one ends just in time before I give out. They really push me to my limit so if you're looking for heart pumping workout, this is the place. But you don't have to take our route. There are easier hikes as well. To top it off, you get views of the valley and the bay.
Fremont Older is my new favorite place to go hiking in the Bay Area. You can take dogs (on leash) on weekdays, which is great for my family. There are numerous hiking trails, with good variety in terms of terrain and difficulty. It's open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Gorgeous view of the South Bay. A really pleasant spot, I highly recommend it. Be warned that it can be cool in the shade, and muddy post-rain.
This dog friendly county park is great for short to mid length hikes. There is wild life to see more prevalent early morning i.e. deer, coyotes, bob cats (I saw a mountain lion once 10/11/2001).There are signs of rattle snakes on the trails that are difficult to see when hiking however much easier from a mountain bike because the snakes can not sense bikes approaching.
not much else to do, but if you like to hike, this is the place for you. Careful of poison oak and remember that there is wildlife that is not under the direct control of anyone. It really is a taste of nature. keep your wits about you on the trails.
I hike here very often. You can make your walk as long or short as you wish, as hilly as you wish. Pretty vistas. Quiet. Quite lovely.
Driving up Prospect Rd to the entrance, if there are a lot of cars at the base of the hill 1/4 mi from the small dirt parking lot, then there probably won't be many available spaces so you might consider just parking there and walk along the road to the park. There is a portapotty at the parking lot but nothing else. Bring plenty of water, hat and sunscreen. You start off in the shade but it opens up to pastures as you pick your route. This place is great but a lot of activity takes place here....hiking, mt biking, horseback riding, running, lots of families/groups/couples, at a full range of paces. You need to come several times to see the variety of trails.
A pretty good restoration / preservation of an historical home in its natural surroundings. Informative guides.
Fremont Older is a nice place to go but go early to get a spot in the parking lot which is not real big or park down the road a little by the golf course entrance and walk up. On a hot day, wear a hat and bring water because there are many exposed trails but its still a great place to explore and hike. No water but there is a portapotty at entrance.