Byxbee Park Walk, plus Potluck

Before our potluck, the Sierra Pathfinders invite you to join us for a stroll at nearby Byxbee Park (2134 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto).

Byxbee Park hike – meet at 10:40 am June 7 at designated parking lot
Mini hike: 2.7 miles, 75’ elevation gain

We’ll start our walk 0.3 mile from the entrance (directions below). Once at Byxbee Park we’ll wend our way along Mayfield Slough, then take a path along the ridge for better views. Our route will take us by 3 large works of art plus thoughtful landscaping. Besides water fowl, we may see northern harriers and hares. We'll also stop briefly at the new horizontal levee installed to reduce nutrient runoff from the wastewater treatment plant.

History: In 2011 the Palo Alto landfill was closed, and in 2015 Byxbee Park was opened to the public. Three restrictions affected the design: no impermeable surfaces (paths are crushed oyster shells), no trees (which might puncture the clay cap), and no irrigation (hence only native grasses). Underground pipes collect methane and water released in the decomposition process.

Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and wear clothes suitable for the weather. Restrooms available at Byxbee Park proper.

Since this potluck/walk is an official Sierra Club event, plan to sign a waiver at the trailhead.

Directions to hike: From Hwy 101 in Palo Alto, take the Oregon Expwy/Embarcadero Rd. exit and head east on Embarcadero Rd. After 0.2 miles you’ll come to a “T” intersection. Turn LEFT. After a couple hundred feet turn RIGHT into a small parking lot. To assure parking spots for everyone, consider carpooling. If you make arrangements to carpool with someone from the Peninsula Conservation Center (site of the potluck), you'll need to return to San Antonio Rd., turn onto Hwy 101 north, and get off at the next exit. Follow directions as above.

Directions to potluck from hike: Return to Embarcadero Rd. Just before the freeway turn left onto E. Bayshore Rd. Near the PCC it becomes one-way. Keep going. At the stop sign/end of fencing, turn left onto Corporation Dr., then left into the parking lot.

First Sunday Potluck June 7, 2026 1:00-3:00 PM
Peninsula Conservation Center, Raptor Suite (first floor)
3921 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA

Potlucks are one of Pathfinders' specialties. Always a good assortment of food and plenty of good conversation.

Bring potluck item ready to serve with serving utensils. No facilities for heating or cooling foods. If you want to bring a dish in a crockpot or similar electric appliance, you’re welcome to plug it in to keep food warm.

A to G Drink or Dessert
H to O Main Dish
P to Z Salad or Snack

Bring your own plate, cup and utensils. Please take them home to wash.

Optional Event Fund Donation $5 - $10

No reservations required. Just show up with a smile and food in hand.

Directions: From Hwy 101 take the San Antonio Rd. exit and head toward the Bay. At the traffic light turn left onto E. Bayshore Rd. After 0.3 miles turn right onto Corporation Way. Turn left into the Peninsula Conservation Center parking lot. The address is 3921 E. Bayshore Rd., P.A.
Please note temporary parking restrictions: The Storm Drain Pump Stations and Systems Upgrade project has begun along E. Bayshore and is expected to continue until late June or early July. This work will affect access to the PCC parking lot and the availability of parking spaces.
- Driveway Access: The driveway on the Bayshore side will be closed. Everyone must enter and exit using the Corporation Way driveway.
- Parking: Overflow parking is not permitted in the lot adjacent to ours on Bayshore. Instead, overflow parking is available in the lot across Corporation Way, behind the building at 3941 East Bayshore Road.