An awesome hike with 21 wooden bridges for creek crossings. Best done in winters after rains when creeks are full of water.

Location: Foothills Park

» Official Trail Map: Pretty good map showing various trails.

» Redwoodhikes Trail Map: Great map showing many parks like Purisima Creek, Huddart, Wunderlich, El Corte De Madera, Foothills, Hidden Villa and Rancho San Antonio. Trail maps for individual parks are available online for free. However, the RedwoodHikes map shows the big picture and is helpful for planning hikes that go through multiple parks.

Trailhead: Right across the Interpretive Center.

Clockwise Loop: Start at the parking lot for Interpretive Center. Walk along the paved road going back towards park entrance. In 0.2 miles, the road splits into two. Turn right towards Orchard Glen picnic area. Continue walking another 0.2 miles until there is a sign for Los Trancos Trail on the right. Then follow Los Trancos Trail for 7.2 miles. Los Trancos Trail ends right across the Interpretive Center.

Anti-clockwise Loop: Start at Interpretive Center. Walk across the grassy field in front of Interpretive Center and look for signs for Los Trancos Trail. Follow the trail for 7.2 miles until it hits a paved road. Turn left and follow the paved road for 0.2 miles to Orchard Glen picnic area. Turn left again and follow a paved road for 0.2 miles to Interpretive Center.

Limited to Palo Alto Residents: (Check the Park Website for latest information) In Feb 2010, the guidelines were: "Foothills Park is open to Palo Alto residents and their guests only. Proof of residency is required. Guests must be accompanied through the entrance by a Palo Alto resident. Limit of 15 guests in two cars per resident. Names of guests cannot be left at the gate. Groups of 25 or more must make a reservation."

Notes: In Jan 2012, a couple of intersections with fire roads were unmarked, so carry a map with you.

Location: 3300 Page Mill Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From Highway 280, drive 2.6 miles along Page Mill Road going south. Park entrance is on the right.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: Jan 2012)

Capacity: Many parking lots inside the park. Plenty of free parking.

Latitude: 37.362943     Longitude: -122.171702