The best walks and hikes in Glenwood Open Space Preserve

Yes, dogs are welcome in the West Glenwood section of the preserve, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. The East Glenwood section is reserved for hikers and equestrians, and dogs are not permitted there.

Absolutely. The preserve's trails are designed with gentle gradients, making them accessible for hikers of all ages. For an easy outing, consider the Cathedral Grove and Bear Mountain loop, which is a relatively short and manageable walk through beautiful scenery.

The preserve is split into two distinct areas. The West Glenwood section features about three miles of trails across five loops and is open to hikers, bikers, and leashed dogs. The East Glenwood section has over four miles of trails and is designated for hikers and equestrians only, offering a quieter experience without bikes or dogs.

There are separate access points for each section. For the West Glenwood Preserve, parking is available near the entrance at 300-414 Glenwood Drive. For the East Glenwood Preserve, the entrance is at 425 Tabor Drive. Street parking is often available nearby if the main areas are full.

Yes, the trail system in both the East and West sections is primarily composed of color-coded loop trails. This design makes it easy to choose a walk of a specific length and return to your starting point without backtracking. A good example of a longer loop is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail – Fremont Tree loop from Monte Fiore.

Spring is the most spectacular time to visit for wildflowers. The grassland prairies and open spaces come alive with vibrant displays of California poppies, lupines, vetch, and owl's clover.

Yes, the East Glenwood section is open to equestrians. Its 4.2 miles of trails through forests and grasslands are shared between hikers and horseback riders.

You can explore over 50 different hiking routes in and around the Glenwood Open Space Preserve. These range from short, easy loops perfect for a quick walk to more challenging moderate trails for a longer day out.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained trails, the beautiful mix of redwood forests and open grasslands, and the peaceful atmosphere.

The preserve is a rich habitat for California wildlife. While sightings are not guaranteed, you might spot deer, coyotes, and various hawks. The area is also a critical habitat for several rare species, including the Ohlone tiger beetle, and is home to larger predators like bobcats and mountain lions, so it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.

Yes, the preserve contains several water features. A large creek runs through the East Glenwood section, surrounded by riparian woodland. There is also a fishing pond within the preserve's boundaries.

You may see cattle grazing in certain parts of the preserve. This is part of a planned conservation effort to maintain the short-grass prairie habitat, which is essential for the survival of rare local species like the Scotts Valley spineflower. The cattle are generally confined to specific pastures.