Lake Lagunita Interpretive Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Visitors can park at nearby Tresidder Parking Lot for a fee. Only park in spots marked for visitors. Do not walk down to the lakeshore - entering the basin is prohibited by Stanford. Stay on the trail.

Excellent short loop for trail running. It can be linked up with the Stanford Dish Loop to create a longer run.

This is a flat trail that loops around seasonal Lake Lagunita on the campus of Stanford University. During the rainy winter months the lake fills, attracting wildlife such as ducks and geese. During the dry summer months the lake dries up, leaving behind a green marshland.

The trail is mainly level except for a small hill near the picnic area at the main entrance and a dip where the trail crosses the seasonal creek that feeds the lake. In the winter this crossing may be muddy, but small wooden bridges are typically made across the creek. For the majority of the loop the trail is a wide gravel path. At about 0.6 mi the trail transitions to pavement.

Situated at the entrance and along the loop are interpretive signs and markers that discuss the hydrology of the lake, the biology of the organisms the area hosts, and the history of the Lake. Stop and read the signs and enjoy learning about the organisms that live there, the conservation projects to protect them, and the history of Lake Lagunita.

Common birds include juncos, hawks, kites, chickadees, and towhees. In the wet winter months, egrets, herons, and ducks can be seen. Mammals include Black-tailed Deer, California Ground Squirrels, and coyotes. Gopher Snakes are also common here, as well as newts, tarantulas, and the California Tiger Salamander.

Flora include oak trees, bay trees, toyons, as well as planted redwoods. Wildflowers are common in late winter and spring.

Various fungi are found throughout as well.