Paseo del Roble Trail

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Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers

The Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve trails are either crushed gravel or dirt, making them ideal for running. Most of the gravel trails are wide while most of the dirt trails are narrow (2-3 feet wide). Depending on the weather, some areas might be muddy and turned up due horses and mountain bikers using the trail. It is important to be aware of your surroundings due to the trail being shared with horseback riders and mountain bikers. Hikers and runners are asked to yield to horses for everyone’s safety.

The Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is an open space area that combines habitat preservation and restoration with recreation. The 10.25 miles of trails that run through the area are open for walkers, runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The thirteen trails found in the preserve allow you to combine them in various combinations for a new adventure with every visit.

The Paseo del Roble Trailhead starts at a small pull off on Paseo del Roble Drive where there is room for 2-3 cars. After crossing the street, there is a sign labeled "path" and the trail passes between 2 houses. At .1 miles, the trail crosses a small creek via a bridge and enters the Arastradero Preserve. The trail hooks to the left and climbs through a ravine along an old, cement road that is deteriorating. The Wild Rye Trail intersects the trail from the right at .2 miles as the Paseo del Roble Trail levels off and goes to the left. Remaining level as it skirts the Palo Alto Hills Country Club golf course on your left, views of the Stanford Dish and hills are off to your right. The trail transforms from gravel to an old, paved road as it drops to Arastradero Lake.

There is a small spur trail on the left that goes part way around the lake. The trail continues past the lake until it meets up with the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail at .4 miles. If you go to the left, there are several trails that you can explore as time allows. Turning to the right, you can follow the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail (.41 miles) and then take the Wild Rye Trail (.38 miles) until it rejoins the Paseo del Roble Trail. If time is short, you can turn around and make your way back to your car.

This trail is open year round and not subjected to seasonal closures, as some trails in the preserve are.

Deer, coyotes, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and various types of birds can be seen in the area. Mountain lion sightings have been reported in the area, so keep an eye out.