The best hikes from bus stations in Thornewood Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)

This guide highlights 5 routes accessible from bus stations in the broader Thornewood Open Space Preserve area, including nearby Stanford and Menlo Park. These routes offer a variety of easy to moderate hiking experiences.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The Arroyo Ojo De Agua Loop is a short, easy option. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, consider the Stanford Arboretum – Hoover Tower loop from Stanford University, which is mostly flat and passes through scenic university grounds.

While the specific routes listed are outside the immediate Thornewood Open Space Preserve, the region is known for diverse landscapes. You can expect to encounter areas with mature trees, open spaces, and urban park environments. Thornewood Open Space Preserve itself features second-growth redwood forests, Douglas fir, oak, and madrone trees, with Schilling Lake as a central wildlife habitat.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Arroyo Ojo De Agua Loop and the Stanford Arboretum – Hoover Tower loop from Stanford University.

The trails in this region are generally enjoyable year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers pleasant temperatures and changing foliage. Winter can be mild, though some trails might be muddy after rain. Summer is typically warm and dry, making early mornings or late afternoons ideal for hiking.

The komoot community rates the trails in this area highly, with an average score of 4.64 stars from over 250 ratings. Reviewers often praise the accessibility, varied scenery, and well-maintained paths, especially around the Stanford University and Menlo Park areas.

While the featured routes are more urban or suburban, the broader Thornewood Open Space Preserve is home to various wildlife. At Schilling Lake within the preserve, you might spot waterfowl, especially during migration. The diverse forests also support quail, jays, hummingbirds, and deer.

For a longer and moderately challenging option, consider the Stanford University Main Quad – Memorial Church loop from Stanford University. This route covers over 10 kilometers and includes some elevation gain, offering a good workout while exploring the university's historic campus.

The routes around Stanford University offer views of iconic landmarks like the Hoover Tower and the historic Main Quad, including Memorial Church. The San Francisquito Creek Bridge – El Camino Park Palo Alto loop from Menlo Park provides a pleasant walk through urban parks and along the creek.

While the specific routes in this guide are selected for their bus accessibility in the surrounding areas, direct public transport to the main entrance of Thornewood Open Space Preserve can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and connections to Woodside or nearby areas, and then plan for a short walk or ride-share to the preserve entrance if you wish to explore its internal trails like the Schilling Lake Trail.

For most of these routes, comfortable walking shoes, water, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen) are recommended. While many are relatively short, it's always wise to carry a fully charged phone and inform someone of your plans. For longer routes like the Stanford University Main Quad – Memorial Church loop, consider bringing snacks.