Arastradero to Page Mill Road (8.2/18.1 mi, ~2500/3000 feet elevation gain)

This section of the Bay-to-Ridge Trail is one of the hidden gems in the Bay Area. First of all, did you even know that a "Bay-to-Ridge Trail" existed? Also, did you know that it boasted some of the best singletrack trails and most amazing views in the South Bay area? Well, now you do! And, best of all, the run is only minutes from Palo Alto, so you can spend the day on the trails instead of driving!

This route starts at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, and then runs through Palo Alto Foothills Park and Los Trancos Open Space Preserve all of the way to Page Mill Road. The run can either be done as a 8.2-mile one-way-with-shuttle run, or as a 18.1 mile out-and-back. (The return route modified slightly, so the out-and-back is not twice the distance of the one-way run.) The climb is gradual, so the 2500' elevation gain doesn't feel that bad, or maybe the awesome singletrack trails just take the pain away?

The highlight of this run is the Los Trancos Trail in Palo Alto Foothills Park. Entrance into Foothills Park is restricted to Palo Alto residents only; however, you may run/hike through the park as part of the Bay-to-Ridge Trail. Because of the limited access, the trails in Foothills Park are narrower and less disturbed than trails in most other Bay Area parks.  Even though you are never more than a few miles from a main road, this makes the trails feel mysterious and remote.
The run starts at the main parking lot for Pearson-Arastradero Preserve along Arastradero Road.

The Dirt:

Extras:
  • There is drinking water available at the Interpretive Center in Palo Alto Foothills Park (at miles 2.5 and 15.6 if doing the out-and-back), and along Page Mill Road (at mile 8.1).
  • Even though the "Bay-to-Ridge Trail" is marked on some trail maps, there are hardly any signs along the way marking the route. In fact, it is a bit unclear as to exactly which trails comprise the route. So it is strongly advised to print out the trail maps or upload the GPX to your GPS device.
Route Details:
  • 0.0 mi: From the Arastradero parking lot, head up past the visitor center and bathrooms toward Arastradero Road.
  • 0.2 mi: Cross Arastradero Road and then veer right onto Juan Bautista de Anza Trail.
  • 0.7 mi: Just past Arastradero Lake turn left onto Arastradero Creek Trail and start gradually climbing. Stay on Arastradero Creek Trail all of the way to the Foothills Park gate.
  • 2.2 mi: At the Foothills park gate. Go through the gate and then turn right on the paved road. Follow the road to the Interpretive Center.
  • 2.5 mi: (Water Available) If needed, get water inside the Interpretive Center. Just past the building the road ends at a "T". Turn left and follow the the paved road through the picnic area, then turn right at the first paved road you come to. Just past a gate, this road will turn to dirt.
  • 2.7 mi: Pass through the gate and continue on the dirt road (Wild Horse Fire Road). 
  • 2.9 mi: Turn right onto Los Trancos Trail. This is a narrow singletrack that steadily climbs through dense woods. You will follow this trail for the next 2.5 miles, and cross several fire roads and trail junctions. There are several places along this trail with excellent views!  Continue on the Los Trancos Trail until you reach the Pony Tracks Fire Road.
  • 5.3 mi: Turn left on Pony Tracks Fire road and climb for about 500 feet. Then turn right onto the singletrack Page Mill Trail. After another 500 feet you will enter Los Trancos Open Space Preserve.
  • 5.5 mi: Enter Los Trancos Open Space Preserve. Continue on the Page Mill Trail for the next 2 miles.
  • 7.0 mi: Confusing intersection: Just after crossing a stream, turn left at the trail junction to continue on Page Mill Trail.
  • 7.6 mi: Junction with Franciscan Loop Trail. Veer right onto Franciscan Loop Trail and follow the signs to the main parking lot for Los Trancos Open Space Preserve. Stay on Franciscan Loop Trail all of the way to the parking lot and Page Mill Road. Note: If you are doing the out-and-back route and need water, do not go all of the way to the main parking lot. Instead, at mile 7.8 head up to Page Mill Road and turn left. Run along Page Mill Road for 0.25 miles and you will see a water fountain on the right side. After getting water, return along Page Mill Road and get back onto Franciscan Loop Trail. Refer to the printable trail map for the exact location of the water fountain.
  • 8.2 mi: At the Los Trancos parking lot!  End of one-way-with-shuttle run.  If you are doing the out-and-back, enjoy the view and then turn around the way you came.  You will backtrack along the same route through Los Trancos OSP, but will take a different route through Palo Alto Foothills Park.
  • 10.9 mi: Enter Palo Alto Foothills Park. Turn left on Pony Tracks Fire Road and descend for 500 feet. Then turn left onto Los Trancos Trail (this is not the way you came up!)  You will follow this section of the Los Trancos Trail all of the way back to the Interpretive Center. The first mile will descend to the Los Trancos Creek Ravine. The next mile is an amazing singletrack that skirts along the edge of the Los Trancos Creek ravine. After exiting the ravine the trail climbs for another mile and then descends to the Interpretive Center. Just keep following the signs for Los Trancos Trail.
  • 15.6 mi: (Water Available) Los Trancos Trail ends in a grassy field. Run straight across the field to the Interpretive Center and get water if you need it. Continue past the interpretive center and climb up the paved road that you descended earlier.
  • 15.9 mi: Turn left through the gate onto Arastradero Creek Trail and enter Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. After a brief uphill you will start a long gradual descent.
  • 17.4 mi: At Arastradero Lake. Turn right onto Juan Bautista de Anza Trail which will take you all of the way back to Arastradero Road.
  • 17.9 mi: Continue across Arastradero Road, then turn left on the dirt trail that leads back to the Visitors Center and the main parking lot.
  • 18.1 mi: Back at your car!
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View from Los Trancos Trail in Foothills Park
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Los Trancos Trail
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Page Mill Trail in Los Trancos OSP
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View from Los Trancos Trail in Foothills Park

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