56 min
Overview
The Meadow Trail can be accessed by taking either the Loop or Alambique Trails from the parking lot next to the Folger Estate Stables. Take either of these trails to where they intersect, and then another 100 yards or so to where the Meadow Trail breaks off to the right. The dirt trail is fairly wide and at 0.1 miles, the trail cuts to the left and climbs steeply uphill into a grove of Eucalyptus trees. In this grove at roughly 0.3 miles, the Redwood Trail goes off to the right while the Meadow Trail bends to the left and continues climbing higher into the park. <br><br>The trail passes under oak trees, which provide shade from the sun, making this a nice trail to take on sunny days. At roughly 0.75 miles, the Oak Trail cuts off to the left while the Meadow Trail continues straight ahead. Just after 1 mile, you begin to enter the meadows. In the evenings, deer can be seen feeding in the fields and hawks can be seen flying between the trees. At this point, the trail meanders through areas of oak stands and open fields. <br><br>At roughly 1.6 miles, the trail meets up with the Bear Gulch Trail and terminates near the park boundary. If you pass the Bear Gulch Trail, you reach the park boundary. If you turn around, you get a great view of the southern bay area. There are benches to sit on and enjoy the view and get a snack. From here, you can follow the Bear Gulch Trail to the right and descend back to the parking area via a singletrack, shaded trail or you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
Trail Stats
2.6 km
179 m
440 m
261 m
—
Photos
A deer stops to watch hikers on the trail.
A deer stops to watch hikers on the trail.
A grove of eucalyptus trees sits at the junction fo the Meadow and Redwood Trails.
A grove of eucalyptus trees sits at the junction fo the Meadow and Redwood Trails.
Two deer walk down the Meadow Trail in the evening, close to sunset. They got off the trail and made their way into the fields in this part of the park.
Two deer walk down the Meadow Trail in the evening, close to sunset. They got off the trail and made their way into the fields in this part of the park.
The trail as it departs from the intersection with the Meadow Trail.
The trail as it departs from the intersection with the Meadow Trail.
Sun breaks through the trees in the late afternoon along the Meadow Trail.
Sun breaks through the trees in the late afternoon along the Meadow Trail.
Coming out of the trees at The Meadows
Coming out of the trees at The Meadows
The view is pretty good from the intersection of the Meadow Trail and Bear Gulch Trail.
The view is pretty good from the intersection of the Meadow Trail and Bear Gulch Trail.