Full Review: Fremont Older Open Space Preserve

This review covers a mainly exposed, wide trail, two mile hike from the Prospect parking lot to the view of the valley at Hunters Point and return to the parking lot.  It is advisable to bring water and sun protection.  This hike was taken at the end of the summer.  There is a moderate hill up to Hunter’s Point. 

 

The dirt parking lot at the end of Prospect Road has room to squeeze in about 15 cars.  We have never had a problem finding a place to park no matter what time of day or day of the week.  Keep in mind that most trails are for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians although I have rarely seen equestrians at this park.  This is a popular place for people to walk their dogs.

 

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              Parking lot                                     Trailhead

  

From the Prospect Road entrance, follow the trail uphill for one tenth of a mile and bear right onto the Cora Older trail.  On your left, you will see a sign that points the direction to Hunters Point.

 

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                                       Short uphill to Cora Older trail can get busy

 

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Intersection with Cora Older trail

  

Take the Cora Older trail for 0.4 mile until you reach a fork in the road and bear right.  Stay on this trail for about one tenth of a mile.  At the intersection, bear left (if you take a right, you will head to Seven Springs trail which is a steeper, shadier trail).  Follow signs toward the Hayfield trail and bear right when you reach the next intersection to take the Hayfield trail to Hunters Point.  You will pass the Regnart trail on your left. 

 

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       Right onto next trail                   Left to Hayfield trail

 

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    Regnart trail on the left   

  

Follow the signs that guide you on the Hayfield trail to Hunters Point passing the other end of Seven Springs trail on your right.

 

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Hayfield trail to Hunters Point   Intersection with Seven Springs

 

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          Yellow star thistle               Last hill to Hunters Point

  

When you reach Hunters Point, there is a bench where you can sit and view the hills where there are some vineyards and the valley.

 

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                 Bench    

 

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                                          Hill views

 

Return back down the Hayfield trail hill and back to the Cora Older trail but instead of turning left, keep straight on the path.  This trail is for hikers only.  You will reach an intersection where you bear left to go onto the Creekside trail which is shady.  You will end up on a paved road where you bear left to get back to the parking lot.

 

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                               Down the Hayfield hill

 

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     Follow the trail straight              Creekside trail on left