FOOTHILLS NATURE PRESERVE: LOS TRANCOS TRAIL VIA STEEP HOLLOW

FOOTHILLS NATURE PRESERVE: LOS TRANCOS TRAIL VIA STEEP HOLLOW

Hike Date:  Saturday, August 8, 2026

Leader:  Ron Gasparinetti

Leader Email:  ron@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone: 650 759-5345

Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  7.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 1440'

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Trailhead Meeting Place: The Orchard Glen Picnic Area inside the Preserve. Google Maps Link

Description:  Foothills Nature Preserve was previously only open to Palo Alto residents and is now available for the general public to enjoy. The preserve is well maintained and manicured but beyond the public meeting places retains a lush natural beauty.  We'll be starting our hike at the Orchard Glen Parking area with a gradual ascent for the first 2 miles.  From there, following 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.  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. 

AllTrails Link of the proposed route. Note that we will be going the opposite direction than what's shown.

Bring / Wear: Lots of water, lunch, First Aid kit, sunscreen and hat for the sunny portions.  Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.

Weather Policy: Hike will be canceled in the event of heavy/steady rain.

CARPOOLING INFORMATION:

Meeting Locations (Drivers may choose a different pickup location if more convenient)

SF: Whole Foods;  2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side)

Rockridge BART: Bottom of escalator.

Carpooling Meeting Times: SF: 9:00AM; Rockridge: 8:50AM 
Please only show up at the carpooling place if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

Total driving distance, there and back: 87 miles from SF;100 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  $13  From Rockridge BART: $16

(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)