Nice loop through all major trails in Arastradero Preserve, going through forests and green rolling hills.

Location: Pearson-Arastradero Preserve

» Official Trail Map: Pretty good map showing various trails. Note the diamond shaped markers which show trails that have seasonal closures after heavy rains.

» 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.

This 5-mile loop takes you through all the major trails in Arastradero: From the parking lot, follow Juan Bautista de Anza Trail → Wild Rye Trail → Paseo del Roble Trail → Juan Bautista de Anza Trail → Ohlone Trail → Bay Laurel Trail → Woodland Star Trail → Meadowlark Trail → Bowl Loop Trail → Meadowlark Trail → Juan Bautista de Anza Trail.

I visited Arastradero a couple of weeks after the last rains in 2010. There was lush green grass everywhere. Close to the 'Vista Point' (see map) off Meadowlark Trail, there was a picnic table and a bench to enjoy panoramic views.

Location: 1530 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304 . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From Highway 280, take Page Mill Road exit. Go south for 0.5 miles, turn right on Arastradero Road. Within 0.5 miles, the parking lot for Arastradero Preserve is on the right.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: March 2010)

Capacity: About 30 cars. In popular season, parking becomes tight.

Latitude: 37.386961     Longitude: -122.174771