El Sereno Open Space

El Sereno Preserve is a beautiful, hilly preserve that provides amazing views of the nearby mountains. Dogs are welcome to join you in the preserve on leashes that are six feet or shorter.

If you’re looking for a fun, easy hike to do with your pup, try the Overlook Trail. This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail takes you up a gentle slope that’s filled with native grass. After that, the trail goes through a woodland area and ends at a lovely overlook where you can rest and relax before you head back to the start of the trail.

If you’re searching for another hike that offers great views, check out the Aquinas Trail. This three-mile hike goes along an open ridge, and it has an elevation gain of 1,719 feet. As you walk along the ridge, you’ll get great views of the Sierra Azul, the Lexington Reservoir, St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve, and the mountains around the preserve. If you’d like to extend your hike, the Aquinas Trail connects to the Serenity Trail and the Loma Vista Trail. Both of these trails also offer pawesome views of the nearby mountains and reservoir.

Before you head out to El Sereno Preserve, be aware that parking is very limited. To get a spot in the preserve’s six-car parking lot, you’ll have to fill out a free permit application on El Sereno’s website. Be sure to submit your application two days before you’re planning on visiting. If you aren’t able to get a spot in the parking lot, roadside parking is also available.

El Sereno is a fun preserve filled with challenging and beautiful trails that offer stunning views you and your pup will both love. Bring some doggy bags with you so you clean up after your dog during your hike, and have a pawsitively amazing time trekking through this preserve!