Bay Laurel Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Wildflowers

The Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve trails are either crushed gravel or dirt, making them ideal for running. Most of the gravel trails are wide while most of the dirt trails are narrow (2-3 feet wide). Depending on the weather, some areas might be muddy and turned up due horses and mountain bikers using the trail. It is important to be alert to your surroundings due to the trail being shared with horseback riders and mountain bikers. Hikers and runners are asked to yield to horses for everyone’s safety.

The Bay Laurel Trail can be reached by heading into the park from the parking area along the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail and the Meadowlark Trail. As the Meadowlark Trail goes off to the left, the Bay Laurel Trail continues straight as it descends and narrows to 3-4 feet wide. It transforms from a gravel path into a dirt path. The Ohlone Trail breaks off to the right as the trail descends into the trees. There are wildflowers on both sides in the shade. On the right side of the trail there is a small creek that provides nourishment to the large trees in this area. When there is a lot of rain, this trail may be closed as the water drains into the creek bed. The trail finally turns to the right where it meets the Woodland Star Trail.

Note: A paved road goes to the left near the end of the trail that leads up to a fenced off area that is not accessible to the public.

Turning to the right allows you to follow the Woodland Star Trail back to the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail in the shade. If you go to the left, the Woodland Star Trail climbs out of the trees offering great views of the surrounding hills.

Deer, coyotes, bobcats, rattlesnakes, turkeys, hawks, turkey vultures, and other varieties of birds can be seen in the area. Mountain lion sightings have been reported in the area, so keep an eye out.