TrailStompers.com: San Francisco Bay Area Trail Running

Just seconds off of busy Highway 101 at the San Antonio Ave exit, Palo Alto Baylands Preserve is a great place for a quick, flat run on well-maintained roads and trails.  Interestingly, Baylands Preserve is the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay.  While nobody would describe the trails as "exiting", you will experience abundant wildlife, 360-degree views of the Bay Area, and, if the wind is right, that great "South Bay" smell!  The run on this page starts from the parking area off of San Antonio Ave; just exit from 101 and drive north on San Antonio until the road ends at the park. 

The Dirt:

• For the official web site click here.
• For a trail map of the preserve click here.
• For driving directions to the San Antonio Ave trailhead via Google Maps click here.
  

Extras:

• There are many activities that take place in the park, refer to the official web site for more details.
• There is a bathroom and drinking fountain located near the trailhead.
  

This loop encompasses most of the southern half of the preserve.  The run is basically flat, and is about 25% paved trail and 75% dirt road/trail.  Start the run by heading back on San Antonio Ave towards 101.

• 0.0 mi: Start out south on San Antonio back towards Highway 101.
• 0.2 mi: Turn right onto East Bayshore Road.  Stay along the right side of the road.
  
• 0.6 mi: Just past the first small bridge, a paved trail starts that runs alongside East Bayshore Road.  Get on the paved trail and continue to follow the road.  Continue on the trail past the large parking lots on the right.  Check out the photovoltaic panels!
  
• 1.4 mi: Just past the wooden bridge, turn right on the wide dirt trail into the preserve.  Continue all of the way around the landfill.
• 2.9 mi: At the T-junction, turn right.  You will follow this trail all of the way back to your car.  Look for the small singletrack trails along the right side that parallel the main trail.
  
• 5.2 mi: Continue straight ahead toward the parking area.
  
• 5.4 mi: Back at your car!