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Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,106 Google reviews · Running trail in Palo Alto, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Pearson-Arastradero 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.
Dog-friendly open space with an interpretive center, plus marked hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
What runners say about Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
“” Elevation gain is gentle but present, terrain is well-maintained dirt trail, and the whole loop flows naturally without any confusing junctions.”
“There are lots of oak trees scattered across the hills, and it has a gorgeous view of the bay on non-foggy days near outlook areas.”
“There are a few shady areas and a population of turkeys that inhabit the area.”
“The trails themselves are well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate the preserve.”
“You see golden hills with green oak trees, pink tiny wildflowers, red tail hawks, and the lake is so serene that it mesmerizes you if you can stop in the middle of Silicon Valley.”
Amazing place for a sunset mtb ride! We went on a weekday and it was pretty empty. The loop is only 5 miles but there are nice views and a good combination of up and downhills. There's also a mini terrain park to practice your jumping skills.
Great place for a quiet walk. lots of ground squirrels and birds. the parking lot is a bit small. less crowded after 2p. we walked on the west side of the road, up to Arastradero Lake. v quiet, great views. a coyote stood and watched us for a while and trotted off.
Excellent place to hike. There are a lot of trails within this preserve and you can pick your loop depending on how long you prefer to hike. Some of the trails are really really beautiful and scenic. Dogs are allowed as well but should be on leash.
This was a beautiful place to walk in nature when we had the drought. But now that we’ve had rain it’s just stunning. You see golden hills with green oak trees, pink tiny wildflowers, red tail hawks, and the lake is so serene that it mesmerizes you if you can stop in the middle of Silicon Valley.
Trail conditions & character
“There are lots of oak trees scattered across the hills, and it has a gorgeous view of the bay on non-foggy days near outlook areas.”
“A few practical notes: parking is free, dogs are welcome on leash, and the trailhead is easy to find off Arastradero Road.”
“You see golden hills with green oak trees, pink tiny wildflowers, red tail hawks, and the lake is so serene that it mesmerizes you if you can stop in the middle of Silicon Valley.”
“A few practical notes: parking is free, dogs are welcome on leash, and the trailhead is easy to find off Arastradero Road.”
“There are a lot of trails within this preserve and you can pick your loop depending on how long you prefer to hike.”
“You see golden hills with green oak trees, pink tiny wildflowers, red tail hawks, and the lake is so serene that it mesmerizes you if you can stop in the middle of Silicon Valley.”
“There is a fair sized parking lot, a little nature center and good bathrooms.”
“There are a few shady areas and a population of turkeys that inhabit the area.”
“The trails are gravel and dirt (not wheelchair or stroller friendly).”
“The path is not good paved, but it has well maintained fine-gravel path.”
“The path is not good paved, but it has well maintained fine-gravel path.”
Plan your run at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
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
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofpaloalto.org
- Phone(650) 329-2423
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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Byrne Preserve
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