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Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,045 Google reviews · Running trail in Palo Alto, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trail'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.
Trailhead leading to 15 miles of multi-use nature trails for hiking, running or cycling.
What runners say about Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trail
“Feeling so blessed to have such a beautiful preserve just 10 minutes from my house.”
“A little stinky in spots if the winds are blowing the wrong way but otherwise so peaceful, not crowded.”
“There’s an easy 6 mile loop, dog friendly, and enough space to zone out to appreciate the views.”
Incredible there is such a place so close to tech companies like Google and Meta. I used to do a lot of biking around here, but walking, particularly at sunset, is always great. Great for bird watching as there are literally thousands of them around.
You can see an amazing diversity of shorebirds on the 15 miles of trails winding throughout these extensive wetlands. Ample parking at Shoreline Lake next to Rengsdorf House. Best birding in Bay Area I have visited so far.
Beautiful open space! Loop is about 5.5 miles, great for a run or walk. Some areas paved, others are dirt or small rocks
It's a really nice place to get out and explore. Tons of birds and views of the bay. However a section of the trail runs parallel to the freeway along the frontage road if you make it a loop. Not the prettiest portion of the trail but overall a great loop.
Trail conditions & character
“A great place to go to get a view of both mountain ranges that surrounds our community, as well as, be at sea level to witness all the lovely surrounding activities.”
“However a section of the trail runs parallel to the freeway along the frontage road if you make it a loop.”
“There’s an easy 6 mile loop, dog friendly, and enough space to zone out to appreciate the views.”
“You can see an amazing diversity of shorebirds on the 15 miles of trails winding throughout these extensive wetlands.”
“Trail connects to the freeway at around mile 4, then you run on the footpath to get back to the parking lot.”
“Some areas paved, others are dirt or small rocks”
“Has both bike friendly path and gravel path for pets.”
“A great place to go to get a view of both mountain ranges that surrounds our community, as well as, be at sea level to witness all the lovely surrounding activities.”
Plan your run at Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofpaloalto.org
- Phone+1 650-617-3156
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.
Shoreline Park
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Park with a golf course, a lake with boat rentals, walking/biking trails & a Victorian house museum.
Permanente Creek Trail
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This scenic multi-use trail connects residential areas with businesses & recreational facilities.
Palo Alto Byxbee Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 715 reviews
Birdwatching, cycling & walking are popular at this park with sculpted earth & conceptual art.
Vista Slope At Shoreline Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 76 reviews
Hiking area that's appropriate for children.
Baylands Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 679 reviews
Vast marshland with 15 mi. of trails for walking, running & biking, plus bird-watching & kayaking.