McClellan Ranch Preserve covers 18 acres; in the 1930s and 1940s, the area was a horse ranch. Cupertino combines this ranch history with trails along Stevens Creek and cultural sites, including a historic blacksmith shop, a museum of local history, and an exhibition space for contemporary art. When planning your visit, it helps to distinguish between the different types of trails and cultural topics.

Trails Between the Ranch and Stevens Creek

A two-mile round-trip trail runs from McClellan Ranch Preserve to Stevens Creek Boulevard. The trail is paved and ADA-accessible. Its route is clearly defined: the stated distance covers the way there and back.

In Cupertino, the Stevens Creek Trail runs for 1.3 continuous miles along the creek, from Linda Vista Park to Stevens Creek Boulevard. It can be used for hiking, jogging, and cycling. Unlike the round-trip trail at the preserve, this route has two named endpoints and allows activities beyond hiking. This comparison can help you choose between a trail that loops back and a continuous route—and between hiking, jogging, and cycling.

In the broader regional context, the Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve area includes more than 25 miles of trails. The county park offers trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, which connect to additional trails in the neighboring open space preserve. This broader hiking area therefore also includes horseback riding as a trail activity.

Ranch History, Museums, and Art

McClellan Ranch Preserve is home to the Baer Blacksmith Shop, a carefully restored historic building dating from the 1880s. Blacksmithing demonstrations take place there on the last Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hands-on blacksmithing classes are also offered for beginners and advanced participants. The demonstrations and classes offer different ways to experience the craft: you can watch a demonstration or try it yourself in a class. If you want to fit a demonstration into your travel dates, check the schedule in advance.

The Cupertino Historical Society and Museum preserves local heritage with information and artifacts relating to settlement, agriculture, education, everyday life, and business. The Euphrat Museum of Art at De Anza College has a different focus: its exhibition space features contemporary art about social issues, diverse cultural perspectives, and creative expression.

Also located on the De Anza College campus, the California History Center is housed in the villa of Charles and Ella Baldwin. The villa stands on the former site of the Beaulieu Winery. The cultural offerings thus range from contemporary art to a history center in a villa with historic ties to a winery.

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