Arastradero Is an A+

Fall Hike Pearson Arastradero South Bay

Pearson Arastradero South Bay hike

Pearson-Arastradero Preserve just might be the perfect place for feeling swept away while not being far away at all. Easily accessed off busy Highway 280, the 622-acre space has over 10 miles of trails, including a 4.2-mile loop through wide-open grasslands, up to views and along the shores of its namesake lake.

Take the Juan Bautista De Anza Trail, following it through the open grasslands and into an oak- and shrub-lined pathway leading to the shores of Arastradero Lake. The small lake, surrounded by a mix of trees and cattails, is a bird watchers’ delight.

After getting your fill of the lake, keep right on the Juan Bautista De Anza Trail, where you’ll begin your climb to nearly the highest point in the park. As you ascend among the grass savannah, look for deer, bobcats, coyotes, even a pair of bald eagles that have been reported in the area.

After just over a mile, take the dirt Meadowlark Trail on the left, marked by a gate, and continue around a few bends to views of San Francisco Bay and Palo Alto. This is the pinnacle! Descend through a mix of oaks that give way to grassland sections, allowing for fantastic views of the park and the southern end of San Francisco Bay.

Take a right on the Woodland Star Trail, marked by two large oak trees and a bench, and continue to descend into the oak forest. Next take Bay Laurel Trail, climbing out of the oaks and connecting with the Ohlone Trail, which continues your descent. Hop on the Bonus Hill Trail before connecting with the Meadowlark Trail to grab a final look at the beautiful countryside around you. Finally, hit the Portola Pastures Trail to bring you home.

The hike begins from Pearson-Arastradero Preserve parking lot located on Arastradero Rd. Water and bathrooms are available next to the information building. Be aware that the trails are multi-use, with bikes and horses. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View