Arastradero Creek and Acorn Trail Loop is a 2.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Palo Alto, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
As of June 2020, the Acorn Trail is a one-way trail. Please check the park before visiting. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/parks/preserves/arastradero/
Great combo of small hills, flowers and some shade. Perfect for early spring
beautiful hike on a nice spring day. the wildflowers are not as abundant as I had hoped, but the poppies shine as always.
Late March, came to see wild flowers. A good variety but not a lot. The view and environment was nice though. Dog friendly. Came with Avis, Lok and Kimchi.
Easy to moderate hike, with vista point a highlight. More mountain bikers than I expected.
The parking lot was full when I arrived and there is no nearby alternative parking so I ended up waiting to get a spot. However, it didn't take too long to get a spot even though there were several cars in front of me. The trail itself is beautiful and clearly marked. There are Covid accommodations (trail is one-way and has adequate signage directing flow). Even though the parking lot was full, I felt like I mostly had the trail to myself, which was nice. It felt peaceful, serene and pastoral. This is an ideal escape from the city. That being said, it is incorrectly rated. It is easy rather than moderate and it felt shorter than 2.5 miles. Regardless, I enjoyed the scenery and hike. I would recommend getting there early for parking or coming on a weekday.
This is a nice little change of scenery from SF. I thought the grassland was going to be unappealing but ended up being beautiful and loved seeing the different trees that I am not used to seeing. We got off trail a bit because it was easy to wander all the different trails. We did see a snake- but was not a rattlesnake. Alpine Inn is a beer and burger joint that is a mile away that is worth a stop by after the trails.
Dog friendly, mix of single track and wider dirt paths. Beware of poison oak along the single track sections. Beautiful wildflowers in March!