12 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>The Paseo del Roble Trailhead starts at a small pull off on Paseo del Roble Drive where there is room for 2-3 cars. After crossing the street, there is a sign labeled "path" and the trail passes between 2 houses. At .1 miles, the trail crosses a small creek via a bridge and enters the Arastradero Preserve. The trail hooks to the left and climbs through a ravine along an old, cement road that is deteriorating. The Wild Rye Trail intersects the trail from the right at .2 miles as the Paseo del Roble Trail levels off and goes to the left. Remaining level as it skirts the Palo Alto Hills Country Club golf course on your left, views of the Stanford Dish and hills are off to your right. The trail transforms from gravel to an old, paved road as it drops to Arastradero Lake.<br><br>There is a small spur trail on the left that goes part way around the lake. The trail continues past the lake until it meets up with the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail at .4 miles. If you go to the left, there are several trails that you can explore as time allows. Turning to the right, you can follow the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail (.41 miles) and then take the Wild Rye Trail (.38 miles) until it rejoins the Paseo del Roble Trail. If time is short, you can turn around and make your way back to your car.<br><br>This trail is open year round and not subjected to seasonal closures, as some trails in the preserve are.
Trail Stats
0.7 km
20 m
125 m
105 m
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Photos
Enjoying the day at Arastradero Preserve.
Enjoying the day at Arastradero Preserve.
The old road as it climbs up the ravine. You can see where the concrete is deteriorating as the years pass.
The old road as it climbs up the ravine. You can see where the concrete is deteriorating as the years pass.
As the trail descends to the lake, the surface returns to an old road that is deteriorating.
As the trail descends to the lake, the surface returns to an old road that is deteriorating.
Arastradero Lake seen from the trail. It's obscured, but there are spur trails that skirt around parts of the lake.
Arastradero Lake seen from the trail. It's obscured, but there are spur trails that skirt around parts of the lake.
The Stanford Dish is seen in the distance. In the winter, the hills are green and there are great views from this part of the trail.
The Stanford Dish is seen in the distance. In the winter, the hills are green and there are great views from this part of the trail.
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 bridge crossing the small creek that runs through the ravine.
The bridge crossing the small creek that runs through the ravine.
Trees on the hills.
Trees on the hills.
Trail as it it departs the road.
Trail as it it departs the road.
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.
Scene from Arastradero Preserve
Scene from Arastradero Preserve
Hiking along the Paseo del Roble Trail in Arastradero Preserve.
Hiking along the Paseo del Roble Trail in Arastradero Preserve.