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Arastradero Creek Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Running trail in Palo Alto, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Arastradero Creek Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Arastradero Creek Trail
“Beautiful place with easy trails and lots of birds and other wildlife to observe.”
Easy to moderate MTB trail. Directions are not clearly marked and could be confusing. Parking is free and there are many trails to explore.
A vast open reserve that's a gem in the city of Palo Alto. Great way to enjoy a hike in the country-side, yet not far from the city. It's also dog-friendly!
Palo Alto's playground. Many trails with rolling hills. Lots of wildlife. Access to Foothills park, about 2 miles from the parking lot.
Great mountain biking for beginners and if you just want a chill place to go. Make sure to ring lots of water because it can gets very hot! Overall, really enjoyed this trail!
Trail conditions & character
“There are plenty of bathrooms and a water fountain at the trailhead.”
“Easy, pretty walk that links up to a bunch of other trails at Arastradero Preserve for even better views.”
“Best to go in the winter while the hills are a lush green.”
“There are plenty of bathrooms and a water fountain at the trailhead.”
Plan your run at Arastradero Creek Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- Websiteopenspacetrust.org
Running trails near Palo Alto
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Arastradero Preserve Vista Point
4.7 ★★★★★ 122 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with a public restroom.
Panorama Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
Hiking area with kid-friendly trails and an overlook.
Chamise Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,106 reviews
Dog-friendly open space with an interpretive center, plus marked hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
Foothills Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,540 reviews
Miles of trails guide visitors through woodlands & fields, past streams & lakes in this vast park.
Byrne Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
Scenic pasture backed by wooded hills and rolling hills, with laid-back walking trails and wildlife.