One of the pleasures of living in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills is just how easy it is to get outdoors. A walk beneath redwoods, a foothill hike, miles of neighborhood pathways, and extensive open-space preserves are all close at hand.
After living and working in this area for decades, these are some of the outdoor places I think are particularly worth knowing.
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve
Right in Los Altos, Redwood Grove Nature Preserve is a wonderful reminder that an outdoor escape does not require driving into the hills. This 6.12-acre preserve on University Avenue follows Adobe Creek, with a boardwalk, picnic tables, and the Hillside Trail beneath the redwoods. It is particularly nice for a short walk or a little time outdoors close to downtown.
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Just beyond Los Altos, Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve is one of the area’s best-known destinations for hiking and walking. The adjoining County Park and Midpen preserve encompass more than 2,000 acres, with an extensive trail network ranging from relatively easy walks to longer foothill hikes.
It is the kind of place that can work equally well for a quick morning walk or a much more ambitious hike.
Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve
Hidden Villa
Hidden Villa Hiking Trails in Los Altos Hills combines a working farm, wilderness and a network of hiking trails. Routes range from a gentle 1.3-mile Creek-Pipeline loop to steeper and longer options, and trails also connect with Rancho San Antonio.
The combination of farm, creek, wooded trails and foothill setting gives Hidden Villa an entirely different character from many of the surrounding preserves.
The Los Altos Hills Pathway System
This is one of the features of Los Altos Hills that newcomers may not immediately know about. Rather than conventional sidewalks throughout town, Los Altos Hills has an extensive network of on-road and off-road pathways. The paths weave through neighborhoods and connect with surrounding open-space areas, creating opportunities for walking, running, cycling and horseback riding. Some paths feel very much like neighborhood routes; others leave the road and reveal the rural landscape that is such an important part of Los Altos Hills. The Town maintains a detailed pathway map that is well worth exploring.
Los Altos Hills Pathway System and Map
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Just beyond Los Altos Hills, Pearson-Arastradero Preserve provides another extensive foothill landscape for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Its trails travel through rolling grasslands and oak woodland, and Arastradero Lake can be reached on foot from the parking area.
Foothills Nature Preserve
Foothills Nature Preserve is another nearby option, with open hills, wooded areas, Boronda Lake and an extensive network of trails. Its Page Mill Road location makes it particularly accessible from Los Altos Hills.
The preserve has options for everything from shorter outings to substantially longer hikes, making it another valuable part of the open-space network immediately west of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.
Outdoor Access Is Part of the Local Lifestyle
What I especially appreciate about this area is the variety. There is no need to plan an entire day around getting outdoors. A walk through Redwood Grove can fit easily into an afternoon in Los Altos, while Rancho San Antonio, Hidden Villa and the surrounding preserves provide miles of trails when there is more time to explore.