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Arastradero Creek Loop Information

The Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is easily accessible from Highway 280, and this hike provides stunning views of the surrounding open space.

Watch for:

Yellow fiddlenecks, wild roses, tangled blackberry, quail, redwing blackbirds and cottontail rabbits.

Hiking Details for Arastradero Creek Loop

Distance: 3.7 miles

Elevation change: 300 feet

Hiking time: 2 hours

Trail surface: mixed

Best Season: year round

Managing agency: City of Palo Alto

Parking lot location: Click here for directions

Overview:There are several short hikes to choose from at the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, which has over 10 miles of trails to explore.

For a scenic loop, take the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail out to Arastradero Creek Trail, turn right on Acorn Trail, then another right onto Meadowlark Trail before descending back to the de Anza Trail.

For a longer out-and-back, take the Arastradero Creek Trail all the way to the City of Palo Alto’s Foothills Park — a local jewel. This hike has several steep spots with a 20 percent slope, mostly toward the west end. However, the trail is wide and compacted in all areas.

Directions to Arastradero Creek Loop

From Highway 280, take exit 20 for Page Mill Road toward Palo Alto/Arastradero Road. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Arastradero Road/Los Altos Hills. Turn left at Page Mill Road. Turn right at Arastradero Road.

The preserve parking lot is located at 1530 Arastradero Road, 1/4 mile north of Page Mill Road.

More about Pearson-Arastradero Preserve

In 2002, POST saved a 13-acre island of land in the middle of the preserve from development. A nice mix of rolling grassland and broadleaf evergreen forest, this is a favorite for joggers and dog-walkers.

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