Wild Rye Trail

Overview

Park at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve parking area on Arastradero Road, and enter the preserve through Gate A, and follow the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail for a tenth of a mile. The Wild Rye Trail breaks off to the left and continues through an open area before turning to the left where the trail switchbacks and starts to climb up the hill. Wildflowers are seen on the side of the trail in the late winter and early spring due to the amount of water. The trail widens a bit as it climbs the hills as views of the homes in the Palo Alto Hills outside the preserve come into view on the left hand side of the trail. On the right hand side, views of the preserve show what the area would look like without homes. Off in the distance to the northwest, you can see the Stanford Dish. The trail levels out as it approaches the junction with the Paseo del Roble Trail.<br><br>From here, you can return via the Wild Rye Trail, or take the Paseo del Roble Trail to the right and descend to Arastradero Lake and then loop back to your car via the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail.

Trail Stats

Photos

The trail climbs to the hills in the area. Views of the homes in the Palo Alto Hills can be seen from the trail.

The trail climbs to the hills in the area. Views of the homes in the Palo Alto Hills can be seen from the trail.

Portions of the trail widen as it continues to climb the hills.

Portions of the trail widen as it continues to climb the hills.

Homes looking into the preserve. If the preserve had not been created, these homes would be found throughout the area.

Homes looking into the preserve. If the preserve had not been created, these homes would be found throughout the area.

Looking out over the preserve from the Wild Rye Trail.

Looking out over the preserve from the Wild Rye Trail.

The trail as it makes its way through the preserve.

The trail as it makes its way through the preserve.

The Wild Rye Trail and the surrounding hillsides. If it's a windy day and the grass is long enough, you can watch it move like waves as the wind blows through.

The Wild Rye Trail and the surrounding hillsides. If it's a windy day and the grass is long enough, you can watch it move like waves as the wind blows through.

The trail is crushed gravel as it works its way up from the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail.

The trail is crushed gravel as it works its way up from the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail.

The trail is gravel at this point as it hugs the hill. The golf course is off on the left.

The trail is gravel at this point as it hugs the hill. The golf course is off on the left.

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