It's a 20-minute drive from the gate at 1 Rancho San Carlos Rd up to the Golf Shop, and be sure to use the 1 Rancho San Carlos Rd address - if you were to put "The Preserve Golf Club" into your phone, it would likely route you up Robinson Canyon Road in the valley, which takes longer, is less scenic, and less safe. The drive in from the main entrance is a breath-taker, so relax and enjoy the ride up the hill. You're likely to see some wildlife out and about along with the gorgeous scenery. In four years as their head professional, I saw countless deer, turkey, bobcats, owls, hawks, vultures, and coyotes....and a few golden eagles and mountain lions.
Walking the course as others have said is easier than it might look or you might imagine. The hike from the first green up to the second tee is another "breath-taker" albeit in a purely exhaustive way, but the walk throughout the course is very enjoyable and was laid out with walkers in mind. There are a few shortcuts you take on foot that make it easier than it appears, and there are several members who walk it most if not every time they play. One of them is a pure-swinging gent in his mid-70s who can get around it on foot in three hours or less and often shoots his age
The other tough walking stretch begins at the 15th tee and ends at the 16th, perhaps my favorite par three out there.
It's cool to see more tournament players get to enjoy the course. It's a special property and club and the golf course holds its own while delivering plenty of fun. Good luck!