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I LOVE Fremont Older Preserve and continue to visit again and again, both for hiking and mountain biking. Fremont Older is so close to civilization and yet incredibly peaceful and beautiful. This preserve also has several kid-friendly hiking trails. The hike to Hunter’s Point from the Prospect Road parking lot is short enough that a 3-year-old can walk it, and yet it is steep enough where adults can get a decent workout. To get to Hunter's Point, you start out in the shady trees on the Cora Older Trail and quickly pop out into the grasslands. From there you follow the Hayfield Trail to the Woodhills Loop Trail, and take the short spur trail up to the Hunter's Point vista (you will likely see people up there sitting on the bench). According to my oldest, at Hunter's Point you are actually “on top of the world” and this is especially magical when the valley is filled with fog. This route is less than 2 miles round trip.
Alert: The Prospect Road trailhead does fill up, even on some weekdays when there are groups out hiking. Make sure you come early, or have a backup plan prepared.
Bathrooms
Yes, at Prospect Road parking trailhead (port-a-potty)
Playground
No
Kid transportation
Walking or child carrier. Too steep for strollers. Bikes are allowed, but this route is not suitable for trailers or very young bikers.
Suggested Route
Park at the Prospect Road parking lot. Head up the Cora Older trail and take a right when it meets up with the fire road. Take the next left onto the Hayfield Trail. Following the signs for Hunter's Point, take the left onto the Woodhill’s Loop Trail and then take the spur trail to the Hunter’s Point lookout. Return the way you came. Less than 2 miles round trip.
Difficulty
Moderate. Quite steep at times.
Parking Situation
Not enough. About ~15 spots at Prospect Road parking lot. It does fill up.
Entrance Fee
None
Bonus
When the valley is filled with fog, climbing above the fog to Hunter's Point is an incredible experience.
Official Park Website
https://www.openspace.org/preserves/fremont-older Trail map: https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/map_FO.pdf
Date Updated
December 2018
