The best walks and hikes around East Palo Alto
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Hiking around East Palo Alto explores the landscapes of the San Francisco Peninsula, characterized by coastal marshlands and bay-side paths. The region features flat, multi-use trails through nature preserves and parks adjacent to the water. The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, a significant tract of undisturbed marshland, offers extensive trail networks. This network provides routes suitable for a range of fitness levels, with most hikes being easy or moderate.
Best hiking trails around East Palo Alto
- The most popular hiking route is Bedwell Bayfront Park loop — Redwood City, a 3.5 miles (5.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This easy loop offers views across the salt ponds and marshland.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Ravenswood Trail loop — Menlo Park, an easy 4.6 miles (7.4 km) path. The route is almost entirely flat, following trails through the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve.
- Local hikers also love the Charleston Slough – Pelican Island at Adobe Creek loop from Hooks Island, a 5.8 miles (9.3 km) trail leading through the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, often completed in about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Hiking around East Palo Alto is defined by coastal marshlands, bay-side paths, and access to rolling grassy hills. The network of trails offers options for different ability levels, from flat, easy walks to more moderate routes.
- The routes in East Palo Alto are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 1,100 hikers have used komoot to explore East Palo Alto's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
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10.8km
02:45
30m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.99km
00:45
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.60km
00:39
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.43km
00:22
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This spot is a fantastic place to view the many American White Pelicans and other birds on the island of Adobe Creek. A lovely bench is here, ideal for taking a quiet break and capturing some beautiful photos.
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Ravenswood Preserve, a 376-acre wetland in the San Francisco Bay, is a great spot for birdwatching and family fun. Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, it features a flat trail for walking and biking along the marsh levee. Migrating birds like sandpipers, avocets, and herons frequent the area, while the marshland are home to endangered species like the Ridgway's rail.
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The Dumbarton Bridge is the shortest and southernmost bridge across the San Francisco Bay. At 1.6 miles you can cross the water with nice views over the bay. Just keep an eye out for potholes, especially on the east side, as the road conditions aren't the best. That being said there was ongoing road works the last time I was in the area so hopefully things are improving.
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Explore the reclaimed beauty of Charleston Slough, a former Leslie salt pond transforming into a marsh on the western shore of San Francisco Bay. Once altered for saltwater evaporation, the slough underwent significant restoration by the City of Mountain View in 1996, undoing the damage caused by Leslie Salt. Now, it stands as a more environmentally-friendly salt marsh.
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Charleston Slough is a marsh on the western shore of San Francisco Bay. It is a popular birding spot with a pleasant trail system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails near East Palo Alto?
Yes, the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is a popular choice for hiking with dogs. It offers a variety of marked trails through rolling hills and open grasslands where leashed dogs are welcome.
What are some good easy hikes for beginners or families?
The region is excellent for beginners, with most trails being flat and easy. A great option is the Palo Alto Duck Pond 🦆 loop from Hooks Island. This gentle walk is perfect for a relaxed outing and offers lovely scenery around the pond.
Where can I find hikes with good views of the San Francisco Bay?
Many trails in the area offer fantastic bay views. The Ravenswood Open Space Preserve provides scenic paths right along the marshlands with observation decks looking out over the water. For more elevated panoramic vistas, the trails at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve are a short drive away and reward hikers with sweeping views of the entire Bay Area.
What is the hiking like in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve?
Hiking in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve consists of flat, multi-use trails that wind through the largest undisturbed marshland in the San Francisco Bay. It's an exceptional location for birdwatching and enjoying the unique coastal salt marsh ecosystem. The trails are mostly exposed, so be prepared for sun and wind.
How many hiking trails are available around East Palo Alto?
There are over 80 hiking routes to explore around East Palo Alto. The majority of these are rated as easy, with a good number of moderate trails available for those seeking a bit more of a challenge. The terrain is primarily flat marshland paths and rolling hills.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails around East Palo Alto are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful bay views, the abundant birdlife in the nature preserves, and the accessibility of the flat, well-maintained paths.
Is there parking available at the main trailheads?
Yes, major trailheads generally have parking. Bedwell Bayfront Park, Ravenswood Open Space Preserve at Cooley Landing, and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve all offer free parking areas for visitors, making it convenient to access the trails.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The area is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. In the Baylands and marsh areas, you can spot a wide array of shorebirds and migratory species like pelicans. In the nearby hills and preserves like Foothills Park, it's common to see deer, wild turkeys, and various hawks.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
While the immediate area is known for easier hikes, you can find more moderate options. The Shoreline Lake Boating Center – Charleston Slough loop from Palo Verde is a longer route of over 7 miles (11 km) that explores the shoreline and offers a good workout.
What should I wear for hiking in the baylands?
It's best to dress in layers. The trails along the bay are often exposed and can be windy and cool, even on a sunny day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is highly recommended as there is little shade.
Where can I find a circular walk?
The Bedwell Bayfront Park loop — Redwood City is a popular circular trail. This easy loop is about 3.5 miles (5.7 km) and takes you all the way around the park, offering continuous views of the surrounding salt ponds and marshland.
Are there any trails that go through redwood forests?
While the immediate East Palo Alto area is defined by marshlands, a short drive into the Santa Cruz Mountains will bring you to redwood forests. El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve is a well-known destination for hiking among towering redwoods.
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