Parker Ranch Trails (City of Saratoga)

Picture
The City of Saratoga maintains a variety of trails and open spaces within the city limits. The longest trail system is the Parker Ranch Trails. This partial loop winds up through the open spaces between houses and around the Saratoga Country Club, eventually connecting to Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. The total length of the Parker Ranch Trail system is about 4 miles; however, you can extend the run/hike by adding a loop in Fremont Older (see the Favorite Run below).

The Parker Ranch trails are a mix of singletrack, dirt road, and paved road. The section from the top of the loop (the "Y") to Fremont Older is entirely singletrack. Elevatons range from about 350' at the trailhead to just over 1000' at the entrance to Fremont Older Open Space Preserve.

There are several ways to access the Parker Ranch Trails. The easiest is via the trailhead on Prospect Road near Beauchamps Lane. You can parallel park your car along Prospect Road near the trailhead.

The Dirt:
  • Click here to download a printable trail map of the Favorite Run below!
  • Click here for the City of Saratoga Parks page with links to maps.
  • Click here for driving directions to the Prospect Road trailhead via Google Maps.
  • Dogs on leash are allowed on ALL TRAILS in Parker Ranch

Favorite Run: Parker/Toyon Figure-8 (6.5 mi, 1000' elevation gain) ​🐾

This route hits all four miles of the Parker Ranch Trails system and also adds a nice 2.5-mile loop in Fremont Older Open space Preserve. The climbs are generally moderate, except for one very steep section at mile 0.4 of the route. The views of the South Bay are excellent on a clear day. 

To start the run, park along the side of Prospect road, just past Beauchamps Lane. The trailhead will be on your left side and is well marked.

GPX Track

Printable Trail Map

Driving Directions
Route Details:
  • 0.0 mi: From Prospect Road, start heading up the Parker Ranch Trailhead (just west of Beauchamps Lane).
  • 0.4 mi: Cross Farr Ranch Road, and begin a very steep but short climb. At the top of the hill you will pass a small trail on your right, stay left to continue on Parker Ranch Trail.
  • 0.8 mi: The dirt trail ends on the paved Continental Circle. Turn right and follow Continental Circle around until it hits Parker Ranch Court, then turn left and follow Parker Ranch Court to the end.
  • 1.0 mi: At the end of Parker Ranch Court, veer left slightly onto the dirt trail. You will soon pass a trail on your left, but veer right to continue on the Parker Ranch Trail.
  • 1.3 mi: The dirt trail ends on Star Ridge Court. Cross over Star Ridge Court and run up Picea Court. You will soon see the dirt trail veer off on the right.
  • 1.4 mi: At the "Y". This is the top of the loop portion (the trail to your right would take you back to your car). Continue straight ahead on the dirt singletrack toward Fremont Older. The views from this trail are excellent!
  • 1.9 mi: Enter Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. 
  • 2.1 mi: Turn right onto Toyon Trail. You will follow Toyon Trail for the next 1.3 miles as it rolls up and down along the side of the ridge. You will pass two trail intersections along the way, but just stay right to continue on Toyon Trail.
  • 3.4 mi: Toyon Trail ends on Hayfield Trail (fire road). Turn left and climb up to Coyote Ridge Trail.
  • 3.6 mi: Turn left on Coyote Ridge Trail (fire road). You will follow Coyote Ridge Trail all of the way back to the Parker Ranch Trail.
  • 4.3 mi: Veer left at the big water tank to continue on Coyote Ridge Trail.
  • 4.6 mi: Back at the Parker Ranch Trail. Continue on the Parker Ranch Trail all of the way back down to the "Y".
  • 5.4 mi: Back at the "Y". This time, veer left and continue downhill on the "squiggles." (Note: "squiggles" is the only way to describe this section of trail. You'll see...)
  • 5.7 mi: The dirt trail ends on Parker Ranch Court. Turn left and then turn right at the "Y" to continue running down Parker Ranch Court. (Do not get on Propsect Road here).
  • 6.2 mi: Veer left onto the dirt trail.
  • 6.4 mi: Dirt trail ends on Prospect Road. Turn right to head back to your car.
  • 6.5 mi: Back at your car!
Picture
View from the upper section of Parker Ranch Trail
Picture
Entering Fremont Older from Parker Ranch Trail
Picture
The "Y" at the top of the loop. Go left on the way down.

Comments: