Woodland Star Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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.

Take the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail until it breaks off to the right and follows the Arastradero Road. The Woodland Star Trail breaks off to the left and begins to climb at a gentle rate. Following a dry creek bed, unless it's been raining, the trail crosses over a culvert and continues until it reaches the intersections with the Bay Laurel Trail. The trail breaks off to the right and begins to climb out of the forest.

Wildflowers can be seen in the early spring on either side of the trail. The trail takes a couple of switchbacks before emerging on a ridge that that offers great views of the forests and surrounding areas. Birds can be seen flying around the area before the trail meets up with the Meadowlark Trail under a big shade tree where a bench provides an opportunity to rest and take in the view.

Once you have taken a break and possibly had a snack, you can turn back and retrace your steps. Another option is to take the Meadowlark Trail and explore other areas of the park.

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.