FOOTHILLS NATURE PRESERVE
Hike Date: April 22, 2023
Leader: Ron Gasparinetti
Leader Email: ron@sfhiking.com
Leader Phone: 650 759-5345
Meeting Location: (ONLY IF you've arranged for a ride in SF): Whole Foods; 2001 Market St. @Dolores (on the Dolores side) parking on the street or below
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: Shortly after 9:00
Rating: Level - 3.5
Mileage: 7.64 miles
Elevation Gain: 1601'
Description: Foothill Nature Preserve has only been open to the general public since December of 2021. Previously, only residents of Palo Alto were allowed entrance to the park. The initial influx of new visitors has now waned and the park retains its lush natural beauty. We'll be starting our hike at the Orchard Glen Parking area with a gradual ascent for the first 2 miles that will reward us (hopefully) with a field of wildflowers in bloom. From there, following the rushing Los Trancos Creek, the remainder of the hike will be mostly downhill. Lunch will be a little later in the hike than usual in a small field again (hopefully) surrounded by blooming wildflowers. The final 1.5 miles will be on the Steep Hollow Trail and Los Trancos Trail leading us to the Foothill Nature Preserve Interpretive Center and a short jaunt back to the cars. If parking is filled up at the Orchard Glen Picnic Area, there is plenty of parking nearby throughout the Preserve. There is a $6 per vehicle entry fee. Sadly, dogs are not permitted in the Preserve on weekends.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED A RIDE AND/OR CAN TAKE A PASSENGER.
Bring / Wear: Lots of water, lunch, sunscreen and hat for the sunny portions. Poles if you'd like and comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Something to sit on for lunch; the ground may be damp.
Weather Policy: Hike will be canceled in the event of heavy/steady rain.
Trailhead Meeting Place: The Orchard Glen Picnic Area inside the Preserve.
Google Maps Link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM
Total driving mileage to and from San Francisco: 87 miles
Total driving mileage to and from Rockrdige BART Station: 100 miles
Passenger Carpool Fees from SF - $13
Passenger Carpool Fees (including toll) from Rockridge BART Station - $16
Level-1
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Level-2
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Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
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easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
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moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
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strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
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very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
