SUNDAY DRIVE
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Gateway park: A little-known trail from Pearson-Arastradero Preserve provides a gateway into Foothills Park, the only access available for non-Palo Alto residents. The payoff is a sensational view of the South Bay. This trek also solves the long-term frustration so many nonresidents have encountered after having been turned away at the entrance of Foothills Park.
What you see: Your goal is to hike from Arastradero Preserve and into Foothills Park. You then can connect to the Panorama Trail and Vista Hill for the view below of Felt Lake (also offlimits to nonresidents), Stanford and across the South Bay to Mount Hamilton. On the way up, Arastradero Preserve spans oak woodlands, refreshed by spring rains, where you also can discover a pretty tule-lined pond.
Location: In the Palo Alto foothills above Stanford, a short drive from Interstate 280.
When you get there: As you arrive on Arastradero Road, look to the right for the parking and staging area (even though the preserve is on the other side of the road). To start, the trail parallels Arastradero Road to the south for a short distance. You then cross Arastradero Road (crossing is well marked) to a gated service road, the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail, and you’re on your way.
Arastradero Lake: The first destination for most is the short walk up the hill to Arastradero Lake. It’s actually a pond nestled in a foothill pocket across a landscape peppered with oaks. From the parking lot, cross Arastradero Road and then venture up a small hill, about a 50-foot climb, over the course of 0.6mile, one-way walk to reach the lake (elevation 352 feet). This is a pretty spot for a picnic. Some youngsters will fish here for bluegill and small bass. No swimming, rafts or float tubes are allowed.
Gateway route: To gain access to Foothills Park and its lookout, from Arastradero Lake, continue on the main trail up the hill for 1.5 miles. You will pass little Sobey Pond (530 feet) and beyond to the trail gate for Foothills Park (789 feet). From here, having gained entry to another “Forbidden Paradise” on the Peninsula, you then connect to the Panorama Trail. Turn right. It extends .35 of a mile to a cutoff on your left that leads to Vista Hill (950 feet). Take in this great panorama. Total from Arastradero parking: 5.5-mile round trip, 640-foot climb.
Want more? The ambitious can continue to the interior of Foothills Park, past Boronda Lake, into Wild Horse Valley and to a great loop hike to Los Trancos Creek and back.
Wildlife: High numbers of ground squirrels, fair numbers of rabbits, deer. Hawks are common.
Mountain biking: Ranch-style dirt roads provide access. With senior hikers common on weekends, courtesy is preeminent. Helmets are required.
Dogs: Leashed dogs are permitted. If crossing into Foothills Parks, no dogs allowed on weekends.
Cost: Access and parking are free. Facilities: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, drinking water.
Contacts: No phone on site. Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, c/o Foothills Park, City of Palo Alto, (650) 329-2423; www.cityofpaloalto.org.