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Los Trancos
4.6 ★★★★★ 211 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Altos, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Los Trancos' 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.
Mountainside preserve featuring interpretive hiking trails amid a picturesque woodland landscape.
What runners say about Los Trancos
“The trails at Los Trancos Open Preserve are well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate even for novice hikers.”
“It's a beautiful place where we came to watch the Jupiter Saturn Conjunction you can spot the stars and planets with a telescope or a good binoculars!”
“The preserve isn’t crowded, which makes it ideal for a serene solo hike or a contemplative walk through oak woodlands and shady glens.”
“The trails at Los Trancos Open Preserve are well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate even for novice hikers.”
“Los Trancos Open Space Preserve is one of those places that surprises you with its quiet charm.”
Nice little preserve with a couple of small loops. All loops are easy difficulty and mostly shaded by trees. The largest loop will take you about an hour. Connects to other preserves like Monte Bello, so you can do some longer hikes as well. Lots of parking available.
Beautiful space to walk. Never crowded. About 400 foot elevation change is max throughout the park. You can do about 5 miles in this park and basically cover it all. Parking is free, nearby, and ample.
Great trail! You can choose easy or difficult courses. Not crowded and beautiful.
Los Trancos Open Space Preserve is one of those places that surprises you with its quiet charm. Tucked away off Page Mill Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it offers peaceful trails, sweeping views, and an unexpectedly fascinating look at California’s geology.
Trail conditions & character
“Tucked away off Page Mill Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it offers peaceful trails, sweeping views, and an unexpectedly fascinating look at California’s geology.”
“There’s no water on-site and very limited parking (maybe 20+ spots), so it’s best to arrive early on weekends.”
“The views from the Vista Loop Trail are truly breathtaking, and it's definitely worth the effort to reach the top.”
“Los Trancos Open Space Preserve is one of those places that surprises you with its quiet charm.”
“The preserve isn’t crowded, which makes it ideal for a serene solo hike or a contemplative walk through oak woodlands and shady glens.”
“This trail has minor elevation gain and loss, so even people who are not hikers can enjoy seeing the San Andreas fault.”
“A pack of healthy-looking coyotes seemed interested in hoping we got flat tires, and saw a decent sized Buck wandering.”
“There is a big parking lot and the restrooms available at the trailhead.”
“No dogs or bikes are allowed, which helps maintain the peaceful vibe and keeps the focus on hiking and wildlife.”
“There are examples of offset fences and terrain displacement from past earthquakes, and it’s all laid out in a way that’s accessible without being overly technical.”
Plan your run at Los Trancos
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteopenspace.org
- Phone(650) 691-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near Los Altos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 624 reviews
Large area with views of Santa Clara Valley & trails, including one for biking & horseback riding.
Foothills Open Space Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Nature preserve with 212-acres of wooded ridges & ravines & an uphill trail leading to bay vistas.
Hidden Villa Hiking Trails
4.7 ★★★★★ 167 reviews
Relaxed farm featuring hikes and an educational garden, plus kid-friendly trails.
Black Mountain Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
9.7 miles of oak- & chaparral-studded hiking track, with sweeping Bay Area views from the top.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 430 reviews
Varied landscape including 11 miles of trails, lake, meadows & ridge views in a 2,143-acre preserve.