🌿 Foothills Nature Preserve Hike (Short & Long Options)
Details
## 🌿 Foothills Nature Preserve Hike (Short & Long Options)
Join us for a beautiful spring hike at Foothills Nature Preserve! This is a well-maintained park with scenic trails, rolling hills, and great views—perfect for a relaxed but rewarding outing.
Park near the Orchard Glen picnic area.
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Orchard+Glen+Picnic+Area/@37.3614936,-122.1855834,753m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x808fafadf5aa819d:0x95ddff38ff9c54af!8m2!3d37.3614936!4d-122.1830031!16s%2Fg%2F11rw7xsyy7?entry=ttu
There is a $6 entrance fee per car (well worth it for this beautiful park).
### 🎟️ Free Entrance Option
You can get a 2-week free pass from any Palo Alto library (you don’t need to be a resident).
More info: https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Community-Services/Parks-Open-Space-Golf-Division/Neighborhood-Parks/Foothills-Nature-Preserve
### 🥾 Trail Options
🔵 Longer Hike (Full Loop)
- ~6.9 miles
- ~1400 ft elevation gain
- Route: Los Trancos Trail loop (with Fern Trail connection)
- Trail link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/los-trancos-trail-to-fern-loop-trail
🟢 Shorter Hike (Half Loop)
- ~3.5 miles
- ~600 ft elevation gain
- Starts on the main loop, then branches back to the start
- Great option for a more relaxed pace
The hike leader will explain both routes at the start, and you can choose what works best for you. You’re also welcome to extend your hike if you want more distance.