Foothills Nature Preserve Hike

➤ Hike Description: Moderate – 8.8 miles, 2,040 ft elevation gain, scenic loop hike on well-maintained trails. Leisurely to moderate pace (approximately 2–2.5 mph with breaks).

Along the way, you’ll enjoy a beautiful mix of shaded oak forests, open ridges with sweeping views across the San Francisco Bay, and peaceful canyon trails. Particularly memorable is the section along Trappers Fire Road, which offers unbroken, panoramic views across the entire South Bay. On clear days, you'll see Mount Hamilton, the Diablo Range, and north to San Francisco.

Originally acquired in 1958 through the vision and generosity of Dr. Russel Lee to prevent development, this 1,400-acre preserve safeguards oak woodlands, grasslands, and seasonal creeks right in Palo Alto’s backyard. It stands today as a local success story of thoughtful conservation that allows both wildlife and people to thrive side by side.

We’re celebrating an early observance of International Day for Biological Diversity, a global day dedicated to appreciating the variety of life on Earth and the importance of protecting it. Foothills Nature Preserve is a wonderful local example of this mission, safeguarding rare and endemic western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis), beautiful stands of blue oak (Quercus douglasii), and the threatened dusky-footed woodrat, a fascinating native mammal that plays a key role in the ecosystem. As we hike these trails, we’ll experience firsthand why preserving natural habitats matters so much for plants, animals, and future generations.

➤ Post-Hike Dinner: We invite you to join us after the hike for a festive tailgate potluck at the picnic tables to the southwest of the parking lot. We'll provide pizza, smoked salmon, shrimp, garlic bread, and mimosas. Bring a dish to share if you'd like, salads, desserts, or sides are especially welcome. It's the perfect way to swap trail stories and enjoy good company after a rewarding hike.

➤ Route: From Orchard Glen Parking Lot

• Wildhorse Valley Fire Road - 0.4 miles
• Fern Loop Trail - 0.2 miles
• Costanoan Trail - 0.8 miles
• Los Trancos Trail - 0.7 miles
• Trappers Fire Road - 1.2 miles
• Los Trancos Trail - 1.0 miles
• Interpretive Center (snack location)
• Park Road - 0.2 miles
• Coyote Trail - 0.3 miles
• Madera Point Trail - 0.2 miles
• Coyote Trail - 0.7 miles
• Panorama Trail - 2.1 miles
• Chamise Trail - 0.3 miles
• Arbolejo Overlook Trail - 0.3 miles
• Chamise Trail - 0.2 miles
• Park Road - 0.2 miles

A detailed route map and recent scouting photos are included in the Meetup photos. You can view and download the route map on: Gaia GPS or AllTrails

Online park PDF map at: Palo Alto Parks or request a paper copy when you pay your parking fee.

➤ Restrooms: Flush toilets and water are available at the trailhead and at the snack location (Interpretive Center).

➤ Exposure: The route is approximately 60% shaded under mixed oak forest, 40% exposed through grasslands. See the weather forecast on Weather Underground.

➤ Cell Phone Coverage: Coverage is spotty along the route. Expect limited cell service, especially in canyons.

➤ Carpools: We’ve set up a dedicated carpool page to make ride-sharing simple and convenient. Please visit: https://groupcarpool.com/t/6c5w80 to offer or request a ride.
You can also post a request in the Meetup comments if you prefer, but please reply privately to the person offering.

➤ Directions/Parking: We meet at the Orchard Glen Parking Area, 11799 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94022. Parking is $6 cash or credit card.

GPS: 37.3610586, -122.1832284 (37°21'39.8"N 122°10'59.6"W)

Google Maps or Apple Maps or Waze

➤ Park website: Foothills Nature Preserve

➤ Bring: Snack, water, sun and wind protection, a sit-upon for lunch, warm layers, sturdy boots and poles if you use them, sparkling personality for potluck if you’re staying.

➤ Attendance: Please be ready to hike at the scheduled start time (9:00 AM). This is an independent hike organized by experienced leaders, not a Sierra Club outing. Participants assume all risks and are responsible for their own safety and fitness level.

➤ Cancellation Policy: We hike rain or shine, including in adverse weather. We will be at the trailhead at the scheduled time and the hike will proceed as planned.

Decide for yourself whether the conditions are right for you. If you prefer to stay home due to the weather (or for any other reason), there is absolutely no problem, simply edit your attendance to "Not going."

➤Safety: Both leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and Basic Life Support providers. We will hold a safety meeting prior to the hike. The nearest EMS is located at Palo Alto Fire Station 8, which is 0.8 mile away.