Palo Alto may not be a huge city but it’s situated around quite a bit of interesting nature. Put that together with outdoorsy residents who love to explore and you’ve got plenty of hiking trails in and near the city that offer a peaceful respite from city life. 

Whether you’re moving to Palo Alto or just visiting for the day, you can take advantage of some of the many hiking trails the area has to offer. Check out some of these spots for spectacular views, wildlife sightings, and a peek at California’s one-of-a-kind geology.

Stanford Dish Loop Trail

Affectionately dubbed “The Dish” by locals, this trail is a special area to Stanford and the surrounding neighborhoods. Once you’ve found parking (which can be a challenge on busy days), you’re met with a moderately challenging four-mile hike over the rolling hills of Palo Alto. The trail offers beautiful views of Stanford, Palo Alto, and the Peninsula. Interestingly, the area is named after a 150-foot-diameter radio telescope that was built here in 1961 by the Stanford Research Institute. You’re likely spot it when trekking.

Baylands Nature Preserve

 

This area is the largest tract of undisturbed marshland in the San Francisco Bay Area. A visit to the preserve offers 15 miles of multi-use trails through tidal and freshwater habitats, encompassing 1,940 acres across Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. The preserve is also an important spot for migratory shorebirds, and you’ll likely spot many of them, as well as birdwatching enthusiasts, in the area. 

Arastradero Preserve

 

This nature preserve is made up of rolling grasslands and lush evergreen forests, offering visitors a verdant escape from city life. The area is also home to many species of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, coyotes, and snakes. On the weekends, you’ll find dozens of hikers, bikers, and horseback riders sharing and enjoying the 10.25 miles of trails that run through the preserve.

Ravenswood Open Space Preserve

Courtesy of Open Space

Looking for a gorgeous spot to get some exercise? Ravenswood is perfect for a leisurely stroll with Fido, a brisk walk with exercise buddies, or even a sweaty bike ride. The area offers 376 acres of scenic marshland for you to enjoy while exercising. Want to get a closer look at the surrounding nature? Spend some time on one of the observation decks. You’re bound to see all sorts of avian creatures as the marsh attracts everything from sandpipers to great blue herons to white pelicans.

Foothills Park

Courtesy of Santa Fe Hills

This vast park in Los Altos Hills is many things to Bay Area residents. To some, the miles of trails past woodlands and fields offer the perfect scenic hike to do some cardio. To others, the peacefulness of the streams and lakes offer a much-needed respite from their daily routines — some people even float around on boats to enjoy the water to its fullest. Still, others might see the area as a picnic destination that the whole family can enjoy. No matter what your needs are, Foothills Park is so massive and lush that you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. 

Los Trancos Open Space Preserve

Photo by Grey3k / CC BY

An avid geologist can have a field day at Los Trancos, the 274-acre preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Palo Alto. That’s because the San Andreas Fault, one of the longest and most active faults in the world, splits the preserve in two. Even if you’re not keen on studying seismology, you’ll find five miles of hiking trails here, two of which are open to equestrians. As far as open space preserves go, this one is relatively small, so it’s perfect for novice hikers or those looking for just a brief trek through the wilderness.