The best walks and hikes around Palo Alto
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Hiking around Palo Alto offers diverse landscapes, ranging from flat marshlands near the San Francisco Bay to rolling savanna grasslands and wooded preserves in the foothills. The region is characterized by varied ecosystems, including chaparral and dense forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This geographical diversity provides options for both tranquil bay views and more strenuous uphill treks.
Best hiking trails around Palo Alto
- The most popular hiking route is Table Mountain via Long Ridge, a 10.2 miles (16.4β¦
Last updated: June 24, 2026
5.0
(3)
75
hikers
10.8km
02:45
30m
20m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Adobe Creek Loop Trail, a 6.7-mile (10.8 km) route that offers continuous scenic vistas of protected bayside marshland. You'll gain a gentle 83β¦
35
hikers
4.86km
01:21
90m
90m
The Redtail Loop Trail offers a delightful and accessible hike through the Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, showcasing the rolling hills and open spaces near Palo Alto. You'll traverse a mix ofβ¦
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5.0
(1)
20
hikers
11.6km
03:16
250m
250m
Explore the varied landscapes of the Arastradero Creek Loop, a moderate 7.2-mile (11.6 km) hike with 834 feet (254 metres) of elevation gain that typically takes about 3 hours andβ¦
5.0
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17
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15.5km
05:01
700m
700m
Embark on the Creek Trail to Black Mountain Loop, a difficult hike that guides you through diverse landscapes within Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. You will traverse shaded oakβ¦
10
hikers
16.4km
04:55
520m
520m
The Table Mountain via Long Ridge trail is a fantastic moderate hike that takes you on a diverse journey through the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. You'll traverse shady woodlandsβ¦
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Other adventures around Palo Alto
Tips from the Community
Turtle Rock is the highest and most prominent mountain in the area. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, especially stunning at sunset. Be cautious, as the trail is popular and often busy with hikers.
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Black Mountain, situated on Monte Bello Ridge, is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. With an elevation of 2,812 feet, it's easy to understand why. From the summit, the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Silicon Valley are breathtaking.
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This spot is a fantastic place to view the many American White Pelicans and other birds on the island of Adobe Creek. A lovely bench is here, ideal for taking a quiet break and capturing some beautiful photos.
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Long Ridge Open Space Preserve is a 2,035-acre preserve that follows Long Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There are a variety of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or horse riding. This is a dirt trail area, so it is more suited for gravel bikes or a stout touring bike; a hardtail would be ideal. In addition, this is a preserve and not a park, so there are no facilities that you would normally expect in a park, such as bathrooms, drinking water fountains, picnic tables, snack bars, or stores.
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Explore the reclaimed beauty of Charleston Slough, a former Leslie salt pond transforming into a marsh on the western shore of San Francisco Bay. Once altered for saltwater evaporation, the slough underwent significant restoration by the City of Mountain View in 1996, undoing the damage caused by Leslie Salt. Now, it stands as a more environmentally-friendly salt marsh.
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Turtle Rock gets its name because it looks like a little turtle with its head sticking up. This is a stunning spot to take a break and enjoy the overlook of the rolling hills and clouds roaming through the valleys.
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More Information
FAQs about hike in Palo Alto
- What are the best easy hikes around Palo Alto?
Palo Alto offers 34 easy hikes. A popular easy route is the "Long Ridge Trail loop β Long Ridge Open Space Preserve", which is 6.70 km long and takes about 1 hour 53 minutes. - What is the longest hiking route in Palo Alto?
The longest hiking route is "Ridge Trail, Peters Creek & Canyon Trail loop β Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve", spanning 24.14 km with an elevation gain of 673.62 meters, taking around 7 hours 3 minutes. - Which hike is most popular in Palo Alto?
The "Long Ridge Trail loop β Long Ridge Open Space Preserve" is highly regarded, covering 6.70 km in about 1 hour 53 minutes. - How many hiking trails are there in total around Palo Alto?
There are 58 hiking routes in total around Palo Alto, including 34 easy, 18 moderate, and 6 difficult trails. - What kind of natural attractions can I expect to see while hiking in Palo Alto?
While hiking in Palo Alto, you can explore various natural attractions such as lakes, mountain peaks, and natural monuments. - What are the general difficulty levels for hikes in Palo Alto?
Hikes in Palo Alto range from easy trails, suitable for all fitness levels, to more difficult routes requiring very good fitness and sure-footedness. - Are there other outdoor activities besides hiking available in Palo Alto?
Yes, beyond hiking, Palo Alto also offers guides for running, road cycling routes, cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. - How are the hikes in Palo Alto rated by other users?
The komoot community rates the hikes around Palo Alto highly, with an average score of 4.58 stars based on 115 reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Palo Alto?
There are over 50 hiking trails to explore around Palo Alto. The terrain is quite varied, offering everything from flat, marshland paths in the Baylands to strenuous climbs in the foothills, ensuring options for all fitness levels.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Yes, Palo Alto has many trails suitable for families. A great option is the Franciscan Loop Trail β Los Trancos Open Space Preserve. It's a short, gentle walk through oak woodland that's perfect for a quick family outing.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dog policies vary by preserve. While many areas have restrictions, the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is a popular, dog-friendly open space with marked trails for hiking with your canine companion.
What are some popular places for hiking in Palo Alto?
Locals and visitors enjoy a few key areas for hiking:
- Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve: Highly regarded for its flat trails through vast marshlands, making it ideal for bird-watching and gentle walks.
- Foothills Nature Preserve: A favorite for its classic woodland and field hikes, with miles of trails and the serene Boronda Lake.
- Pearson-Arastradero Preserve: Known for its rolling savanna grasslands and dog-friendly policies.
- Monte Bello Open Space Preserve: Offers stunning views of the Santa Clara Valley from its well-maintained trails.
What kind of hiking is available at the Baylands Nature Preserve?
The Baylands Nature Preserve offers a unique hiking experience on flat, easy trails through one of the largest tracts of undisturbed marshland on the San Francisco Bay. It's an excellent destination for birdwatching and enjoying expansive views of the bay, rather than for strenuous hill climbs.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Ridge Trail, Peters Creek & Canyon Trail loop is a difficult 15-mile (24 km) hike. This demanding route in the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve involves significant elevation gain and rewards hikers with immersive woodland scenery.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Palo Alto?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the diversity of landscapes, from the flat, bird-rich Baylands to the wooded, hilly preserves. The well-maintained trails and clear signposting are also frequently mentioned.
What makes Foothills Nature Preserve a good hiking destination?
Foothills Nature Preserve is a 1,400-acre park offering a classic hiking experience with 15 miles of trails through rugged woodlands, fields, and chaparral. Highlights include Boronda Lake, where you can fish or canoe, and Vista Hill, which provides panoramic views of the landscape.
Are there any good circular or loop hikes?
Absolutely. A popular loop is the Boronda Lake β Foothills Nature Preserve trail. This easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) circuit takes you around the lake and through beautiful mixed woodland, making for a pleasant and contained outing.
What wildlife might I see while hiking?
The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. In the Baylands Nature Preserve, you can spot numerous bird species, including the endangered California Clapper Rail. In the Foothills Nature Preserve and other woodland areas, it's common to see deer, coyotes, and even bobcats.
When is the best time of year to hike in Palo Alto?
Hiking is possible year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and pleasant temperatures. Autumn offers clear skies and comfortable weather. Summers can be hot, especially on exposed trails, so early morning hikes are recommended. Winter is cooler and greener after the rains, but trails can be muddy.
Are there any trails with great viewpoints?
Yes, for excellent views, consider the Long Ridge Trail to Wallace Stegner Bench. This route offers open grasslands and rewarding vistas across the Santa Cruz Mountains. Vista Hill in Foothills Nature Preserve is another spot known for its panoramic scenery.
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