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Palo Alto Byxbee Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 715 Google reviews · Running trail in Palo Alto, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Palo Alto Byxbee Park'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.
Birdwatching, cycling & walking are popular at this park with sculpted earth & conceptual art.
What runners say about Palo Alto Byxbee Park
“The space is clean and well-maintained with public bathroom and free parking space.”
“This a great place in the Palo Alto bay area for a scenic walk around the bay.”
“Today’s weather was perfect because it was windy, but I can see how it would get warm without any trees for shade.”
“It's quiet & I love the distraction of nature: duck, geese, squirrels, birds, dragonflies, butterflies, rabbits, ladybugs, eagles, hawks.”
Nice flat walk, great bird views, pelicans, mud hens, egrets, etc. Gradual hills only if you want. Miles you can go. Trek to shoreline. Path wide, no divots, dogs, bikes ok , bathrooms. Great for beginning walkers or families, gimps and runners!!
Beautiful spot to watch sunrise or sunset. Great for biking or hiking to Shoreline and back. Great for bird watchers: geese, ducks, storks, boots, seagulls. Can get windy walking along the shoreline of the bay requiring a windbreaker or jacket. Bring your camera to capture wildlife and wildflowers.
A really great place to walk or bike. Dog friendly too. Lots of birds around. Planes constantly flying around. Pretty cool place, you should definitely walk around. Parking seems a little limited, but there are a lot of different areas to park in that are all close to each other.
Byxbee Park is a wonderful park with amazing trails. The park is filled with a beautiful green and diverse range of landscapes, well-maintained trails, making it easy for people of all ages to enjoy a leisurely walk or a more strenuous hike.
Trail conditions & character
“This has to be one of my favorite go-to places in and around the Palo Alto / Mountain View area for an evening jog.”
“Parking seems a little limited, but there are a lot of different areas to park in that are all close to each other.”
“Great place to stroll, walk your dog, jog, run, bike or just sit in your car and observe the birds of the marshland, low and high tide action, propeller planes landing.”
“Packed dirt, flat, view of marshlands, small propeller planes (Cessna planes), and different birds”
“Packed dirt, flat, view of marshlands, small propeller planes (Cessna planes), and different birds”
“Today’s weather was perfect because it was windy, but I can see how it would get warm without any trees for shade.”
“The space is clean and well-maintained with public bathroom and free parking space.”
“It's quiet & I love the distraction of nature: duck, geese, squirrels, birds, dragonflies, butterflies, rabbits, ladybugs, eagles, hawks.”
Plan your run at Palo Alto Byxbee Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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
- 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.
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Hiking area that's appropriate for children.