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Foothills Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,540 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Altos Hills, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Foothills Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Miles of trails guide visitors through woodlands & fields, past streams & lakes in this vast park.
What runners say about Foothills Nature Preserve
“The paths are well-maintained, clearly marked, and offer options for both short walks and longer loops.”
“Foothills Nature Preserve, now open to the public for a $6 entry fee, is a beautiful spot for nature lovers.”
“Miles of Trails: The trail network winds smoothly through wooded areas and open fields, giving you plenty of variety in terms of terrain and shade.”
“It serves as a perfect focal point for a hike, providing a calm, picturesque setting where you can watch the water reflect the surrounding sky and forest.”
We parked at Orchard Glen parking lot, started with Steep Hollow trail, merged with Los Trancos trail, then Costanoan trail, part of the Fern loop trail, back to the parking lot. Total 6.9 miles. I think this way is best for ascending, and when descending, you have the bay view along with you, less strenuous.
Lovely park with nice trails, decent elevation, lots of wildlife, charming small lake with an island and areas with green grass. $6 will get you in- card or exact cash at the entrance, or free for veterans, with student ID, pass from Palo Alto library, etc.
This was my first hike in the area. I have recently moved here and joined my coworkers for a weekend hike. We did an easy trail and then started a slightly harder trail after. I returned midway and decided not to overdo at once. It was a wise decision.
Foothills Nature Preserve, now open to the public for a $6 entry fee, is a beautiful spot for nature lovers. The views from Vista Hill are stunning, offering a perfect vantage point of the surrounding landscape.
Trail conditions & character
“I think this way is best for ascending, and when descending, you have the bay view along with you, less strenuous.”
“Boronda Lake adds to the serene atmosphere, making it a great place for a peaceful hike or a relaxing day outdoors.”
“We parked at Orchard Glen parking lot, started with Steep Hollow trail, merged with Los Trancos trail, then Costanoan trail, part of the Fern loop trail, back to the parking lot.”
“We parked at Orchard Glen parking lot, started with Steep Hollow trail, merged with Los Trancos trail, then Costanoan trail, part of the Fern loop trail, back to the parking lot.”
“Miles of Trails: The trail network winds smoothly through wooded areas and open fields, giving you plenty of variety in terms of terrain and shade.”
Plan your run at Foothills Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitecityofpaloalto.org
- Phone(650) 329-2423
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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