This 3,800-acre preserve offers a sampling of diverse environments, from a beautiful oak-shaded creek to grassy meadows with views of the Bay Area. Brush rabbits, coyotes, quail, wild turkeys, and an abundance of other wildlife make their homes here. In the early morning and late afternoon, visitors may encounter black-tailed deer browsing in the open meadows, and bobcats are occasionally seen in the canyon areas. Mountain lions have also been spotted on this preserve, but usually the lucky viewer has been granted no more than a fleeting glance. An extensive 23-mile trail system makes this preserve a favorite among hikers, joggers, and equestrians. Several trails can be combined to form loops of different lengths and difficulties. Bicycles are allowed only on the designated trails from the county park entrance to Deer Hollow Farm. The 3-mile Wildcat Loop Trail, a popular route for hikers and joggers, follows the creek into a cool, fern-walled narrow canyon, ascends through chaparral to open meadows on the middle ridge, and loops back to Deer Hollow Farm. Lupine, poppies, and patches of blue-eyed grass bloom in the meadows in spring. Visitors can pause or picnic here and, on a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Tamalpais to the north and Mt. Hamilton to the east. To get to the northern part of the preserve from the valley floor, take the 2.1-mile Chamise Trail, which ascends gradually to a tranquil, secluded meadow in the Duveneck Windmill Pasture Area. This was once the location of a picturesque windmill from former ranch days when cattle freely roamed the hillsides. Visitors can now picnic amid fields of grass in the shadow of Monte Bello Ridge and Black Mountain. A major part of this area was a gift from Frank and Josephine Duveneck, and adjoins Hidden Villa Ranch, a non-profit environmental education facility. Contact Hidden Villa at 650-949-8650 for trail information and operating hours. The 4-mile Black Mountain Trail climbs through chaparral, grassland, and oak woodland to the top of Black Mountain. Steep canyons and narrow ridges can be seen from various points. At the top of 2,800-foot Black Mountain, there are other views west into Stevens Creek Canyon and open space lands along the Skyline ridge, as well as views of Santa Clara Valley. Directions: The preserve's main vehicle entrance is located in Rancho San Antonio County Park. Take Foothill Boulevard south from I-280, turn immediately right on Cristo Rey Drive and continue for about 1 mile. There are several vehicle parking lots, and an equestrian parking lot. The 85-car parking area in the northwest lot is the trailhead for the preserve. The secondary vehicle access is from Rhus Ridge Road. It can be reached from I-280, taking the El Monte Road exit west and turning left onto Moody road just past Foothill College. Travel 0.5 miles and turn left on Rhus Ridge Road, then go 0.2 miles to a 5-car parking area adjacent to a gate and equestrian stile. Horse trailers are not allowed to park here. Power Pole: Best run during the week when the rank and file are perched in their fattening pens down in Silicon Valley.