BMHS Arastradero Preserve Hike

Organized By: Loma Prieta Black Mntn Hiking

Level: Moderate (2B) Approximately 7.5 miles, 1200 ft elevation gain

Description:

Originally inhabited by the Ohlone people, this area was a working ranch before it was preserved as open space. Over the years the City of Palo Alto purchased the land to preserve open space and natural habitat. It protects most of the Arastradero Creek watershed Small areas of native grasses are still found on the preserve, which contains grassland savanna, oak woodland, and riparian plant communities. We hope to see a few spring flowers.

We will hike through the preserve and then continue up to Foothills Nature Preserve where we will visit Vista Hill before returning. Route (subject to change): Redtail Loop - cross Arastradero Rd - Portola Pastures-Meadowlark-Juan Bautista de Anza - Woodland Star - Meadowlark-Vista Point-Woodrat-Arastradero Creek-Coyote-Vista Hill-Coyote-Arastradero Creek-Paseo del Roble-Wild Rye-Juan Baustista de Anza- cross Arastradero Rd and return to parking lot.

Mostly open with a few shaded areas. We will hike at a moderate pace with stops for points of interest. Restrooms available near the main parking area at the beginning/end of the hike, none available during the hike.

Cold drinks and light snacks after the hike (optional).

Wear/bring: at least 1.5L water, lunch and something to sit on, sun protection, sturdy shoes/boots, layered clothing, poles if you use them.

Bathrooms: Flush toilets at the beginning and the end.

Signup Instructions:
Please signup for this hike via Signup for this hike via Sierra Club site ONLY. (Meetup site is for people to coordinate carpool amongst themselves only. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.)

Carpool: Parking is limited at the starting point. Please arrange your own carpool if possible, or meet at Page Mill Park & Ride at 8:45 am so we can consolidate cars.

Love our preserved, natural spaces? Why not join the Sierra Club? Conservation, protection and restoration projects can always benefit from greater support and you can help.
Join our email list: If you would like to be on our email list to receive our hike announcement and cancellation notice, please sign up here.
Sierra Club guide for our hike outings: Neither vaccinations nor masks are required. But if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, are sick, or have recently tested positive for COVID do not hike with us on this day. Every participant is responsible for reporting these conditions to the leader if symptoms develop after the hike. We will then notify the other participants.

Cancellation Policy: Steady rain; excessive heat; poor air quality