48 min
Overview
The Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is an open space area that combines habitat preservation and restoration with recreation. The 10.25 miles of trails that run through the area are open for walkers, runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The thirteen trails found in the preserve allow you to combine them in various combinations for a new adventure with every visit.<br><br>Hike roughly .65 miles from the parking lot along the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail to Arastradero Lake. Just past the lake, the Arastradero Creek Trail cuts off to the left and passes a utility station that sits on the right hand side of the trail. The trail is about 8-10 foot wide and made of gravel for the majority of its length, providing a great surface for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and horse back riders. On the left side of the trail, the Arastradero Creek follows the trail for almost its entire length, although it is down in a gully. On the right side of the trail, the hills rise above the trail offering views of wildflowers that bloom in the spring. Deer feed in the fields above the trail early in the morning and at sundown. Rabbits scurry across the trail and hawks soar overhead. <br><br>After moving along the trail for roughly .75 miles, the Acorn Trail cuts back to the right and climbs up the hill. The Arastradero Creek Trail continues straight ahead for another .2 miles until the Woodrat Trail departs via a dirt, singletrack trail that goes off into the woods. The trail continues straight ahead as the woods begin to close in on the trail and the Sobey Pond sits on the left hand side of the trail. While most of the views are obscured, you can tell its a larger body of water. As the trail moves through the woods, it begins to climb gently at first and then more steeply as it approaches a curve that goes off to the right. Climbing steeply for approximately .15 miles, the trail reaches the hilltop before dropping down to Gate D at the boundary of Foothills Park. At the hilltop, there is a road that goes off
Trail Stats
2.4 km
118 m
230 m
111 m
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Photos
The woods get closer to the trail through this part of the preserve. The gravel trail makes hiking, running, and biking easy all along the trail.
The woods get closer to the trail through this part of the preserve. The gravel trail makes hiking, running, and biking easy all along the trail.
The trail intersection with the Arastradero Creek Trail.
The trail intersection with the Arastradero Creek Trail.
The Arastradero Creek Trail departs from Arastradero Lake and starts climbing up one of the hills.
The Arastradero Creek Trail departs from Arastradero Lake and starts climbing up one of the hills.
As you head through the woods, the trail starts to climb steeply up a hill that brings you to the boundary of the preserve. The trail curves to the right and continues climbing up the hill at this point.
As you head through the woods, the trail starts to climb steeply up a hill that brings you to the boundary of the preserve. The trail curves to the right and continues climbing up the hill at this point.
Sobey Pond sits on the left hand side of the trail. Most views are obstructed, but it provides water and vegetation for animals in the preserve.
Sobey Pond sits on the left hand side of the trail. Most views are obstructed, but it provides water and vegetation for animals in the preserve.
While a steep climb for those on foot and mountain bikers, it makes for a great descent on the way back down the hill. Mountain bikers enjoy this trail.
While a steep climb for those on foot and mountain bikers, it makes for a great descent on the way back down the hill. Mountain bikers enjoy this trail.
Wildflowers bloom alongside the trail before the woods encroach on the trail.
Wildflowers bloom alongside the trail before the woods encroach on the trail.
At the top of the hill, the trail drops back down to the boundary of Foothills Park.
At the top of the hill, the trail drops back down to the boundary of Foothills Park.
The trail as it climbs from the Arastradero Creek Trail.
The trail as it climbs from the Arastradero Creek Trail.
The trail as it snakes it's way through the trees.
The trail as it snakes it's way through the trees.
The trail moves through the preserve and is great in the evening after work.
The trail moves through the preserve and is great in the evening after work.
Looking back on the trail, fields open up on one side of the trail while the creek runs down to Arastradero Lake on the other.
Looking back on the trail, fields open up on one side of the trail while the creek runs down to Arastradero Lake on the other.
Views of the hills and trees from the trail.
Views of the hills and trees from the trail.
The trail winds up the hill after passing the Arastradero Lake.
The trail winds up the hill after passing the Arastradero Lake.
The trees that line the hills make for great photo opportunities in the preserve. The trail winds through the preserve at the base of a majority of the hills.
The trees that line the hills make for great photo opportunities in the preserve. The trail winds through the preserve at the base of a majority of the hills.