Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve

Key Highlights

• ✓Spectacular panoramic views from Mount Umunhum Summit, visible from a large parking lot or short walks.
• ✓Drive-up access to the summit, making it accessible for families with young children, strollers, or less mobile members (e.g., aging parents).
• ✓Historic abandoned radar station (exterior viewing only) with an informative pavilion about its history, reached by a short flight of stairs from the summit parking.
• ✓Trails with ample shade, providing comfort during summer visits.
• ✓Newly opened/renovated roads, parking, trails, and picnic areas, indicating good maintenance and modern amenities.
• ✓Trails suitable for biking, offering an alternative activity for active families.

Standout Features

• ⭐The convenience of driving directly to the Mount Umunhum Summit for immediate breathtaking views.
• ⭐Large, newly renovated parking lot at the summit, which itself is a prime viewing spot.
• ⭐The educational aspect of the abandoned radar station and its historical pavilion.
• ⭐Dedicated picnic areas with phenomenal panoramic views.
• ⭐Trails that accommodate both hiking and mountain biking.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Pack out all trash (leave no trace), no trash cans available.
• • Littering is prohibited.
• • Do not feed wild animals.
• • Dispose of organic waste (e.g., fruit peels/pits) properly to prevent attracting animals.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury.
• • Avoid blocking the trail; step aside to allow others to pass.
• • Yield to equestrians when walking or biking.
• • Do not leave valuables in vehicles; lock vehicle and store items out of sight or take them on the trail.
• • Travel in groups of two or more for assistance in case of accident or emergency.
• • Dress in layers appropriate for temperature changes, time of year, and planned activities.
• • Carry water (2 quarts per person for a 2-hour hike recommended, as drinking water is not available at most preserves).
• • Apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water prior to and during outdoor activities.
• • Be aware that cell service is very sporadic on the preserves.
• • Be prepared for naturally occurring hazards: Rattlesnakes (active in warm weather), Poison oak (learn to identify and avoid in all seasons), Ticks (may carry diseases), Mountain lions (occasionally seen, maintain distance, do not approach or feed).
• • Leave plants and animals undisturbed (take photos, do not pick flowers).
• • All wildlife and their surrounding habitat are protected; do not approach, touch, startle, or feed wildlife.
• • Swimming, wading, or engaging in any water-contact activity in any District water areas is prohibited.
• • Fires are prohibited.
• • Smoking is prohibited.
• • Weapons of any kind are prohibited.
• • Drones, model airplanes, and model rockets are NOT allowed.
• • Bicyclists must wear helmets at all times and observe a 15-mph trail speed limit (5-mph when passing or approaching blind turns).
• • Equestrians are recommended to wear helmets.
• • In case of emergency (fire, accident, immediate threat to life/property), call 911. For non-emergencies, call Midpen main office at 650-691-1200 (or 650-968-4411 on weekends/after 5 PM for unusual wildlife encounters).

📅Booking Policy

• • A general access permit is required for any activity or event that: may be attended by twenty (20) or more people; OR would restrict the use of any part of Midpen lands by members of the public; OR requests or requires a fee be paid or a donation made for participation (including mandatory purchases).
• • A large group/event permit is required for any event attended by 50 or more people or more than three equestrians.
• • Permit applications should allow a minimum of 2 working days for processing.
• • Most permits are free of charge, and applications are available online.
• • Group activities are not allowed at Mount Umunhum on weekend days and holidays (permits are not available for these times).

🚗Parking Information

• • Kennedy Roadside Parking (3 spaces): Located in Los Gatos on Kennedy Road at gate #SA01.
• • Mount Umunhum Summit Parking Area (54 spaces + 3 ADA): Located at the top of Mt. Umunhum road, approximately 5.3 miles past the intersection with Hicks Road. Stairs lead visitors to the Summit. A limited number of accessible parking spaces (3 ADA) are located 0.2 miles further up Mt. Umunhum Road within the passenger dropoff/turnaround area.
• • Jacques Ridge Parking Area (11 spaces + 1 ADA): For Woods Trail trailhead. Located near the intersection of Hicks Road and Mt. Umunhum Road.
• • Jacques Ridge Equestrian Parking Area (7 equestrian spaces): Located on Almaden Quicksilver County Park lands, at the edge of Sierra Azul preserve.
• • Bald Mountain Parking Area (23 spaces + 1 ADA): For Mt. Umunhum Trail and Bald Mountain Trail trailheads. Located on Mt. Umunhum Road, approximately 1.7 miles past the intersection of Hicks Road.
• • Bald Mountain Roadside Parking (4 spaces).
• • Miller Point Parking Area (33 spaces + 2 ADA): Located in Lexington Reservoir County Park land, south of the County's Banjo Point Parking Area and gate SA21 which leads into Priest Rock Trail.
• • Parking is free.
• • Parking spaces may not be available during peak visitation or on holiday weekends.
• • Visitors must only park in authorized spots.