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🌿 Open Space Preserve
622 acres
Arastradero Preserve (Pearson-Arastradero)
Palo Alto
Dog Friendly
🥾 Hiking
⛰️ Foothill & Ridge
📸 Scenic
👨👩👧👦 Family
🦌 Wildlife
A 600+ acre Palo Alto preserve of rolling grassland and oak woodland with popular family-friendly loop trails and a small lake.
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve spans more than 600 acres of grassland, oak woodland, and chaparral in the Palo Alto foothills. Its well-maintained network of trails — anchored by the Arastradero Lake loop — is a favorite for families, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Gentle to moderate climbs lead to meadow viewpoints, with seasonal wildflowers and abundant birdlife.
🌟 Why Locals Love It
Approachable, scenic, and well-signed — a perfect intro to foothill hiking with options to go longer.
What to Expect
Rolling grassland and oak trails, a small lake, and meadow views; good for all skill levels.
Activities
hiking
mountain biking
running
dog walking
birdwatching
wildlife viewing
💡 Good to Know Before You Go
Free parking lot fills on weekends. Dogs allowed on leash on designated trails.
📍 Local Tip
Loop the Arastradero Lake and Meadowlark trails for an easy, scenic family outing.
Best Time to Visit
Spring for wildflowers and green hills.
Practical Info
City of Palo Alto
1530 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Dawn to dusk
Free parking; fills on weekends.
Amenities
Restrooms
Parking
Free Parking
Trails
Interpretive Signs
Trailhead Parking
Viewpoint
Verified Official Source
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