Wild Rye Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · 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 aware of 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 Wild Rye Trail is narrow, singletrack at the bottom although it widens up at the top.

Park at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve parking area on Arastradero Road, and enter the preserve through Gate A, and follow the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail for a tenth of a mile. The Wild Rye Trail breaks off to the left and continues through an open area before turning to the left where the trail switchbacks and starts to climb up the hill. Wildflowers are seen on the side of the trail in the late winter and early spring due to the amount of water. The trail widens a bit as it climbs the hills as views of the homes in the Palo Alto Hills outside the preserve come into view on the left hand side of the trail. On the right hand side, views of the preserve show what the area would look like without homes. Off in the distance to the northwest, you can see the Stanford Dish. The trail levels out as it approaches the junction with the Paseo del Roble Trail.

From here, you can return via the Wild Rye Trail, or take the Paseo del Roble Trail to the right and descend to Arastradero Lake and then loop back to your car via the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail.

Deer, coyotes, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and various types of birds can be seen in the area. Mountain lion sightings have been reported in the area, so keep an eye out.