prev next

Enjoy this hilly open space above Palo Alto and Woodside, which includes plenty of evidence of seismic activity and some gorgeous views along the San Andreas Fault.

Attractions

• This open space preserve has numbered posts for a self-guided tour of regions affected by seismic activity in the area, following the short and bumpy San Andreas Fault Trail.
• The area has grassy meadows, windy bluffs, oak-shaded groves, creekside flora, and coniferous forest.
• Wildlife include lizards, rattlesnakes, various birds, deer, banana slugs, and squirrels.
• Beautiful views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the West and the San Francisco Bay to the East.
• Mushrooms and lightening-struck trees abound, for the detail-oriented hiker.

Limitations

• No dogs allowed.
• No bicycles allowed.
• No smoking permitted.
• Stay on the trail to avoid ticks and poison oak.
• Rattlesnakes are particularly active in warm weather, when they may sun themselves in exposed areas.
• The drive to the park from Page Mill Rd (Alpine Rd) is very curvy! Take it easy and hope for no car-sickness!

Access

These paths are not suitable for wheelchairs; they can be steep, narrow, and contain ruts, roots, or other obstacles. For this reason, they are not suitable for small-wheeled strollers, either.

Recommended Routes

Route	Distance	Surface	Transport	Terrain	Facilities	Extras
San Andreas Fault Trail	1.5 (mi)
Franciscan Loop Trail (with Lost Creek Loop option)	2.5 (mi)