Pearson-Arastradero Preserve

• Hiking, Biking and Equestrian Trails: The Pearson-Arastradero Preserve has 10.25 miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Most of the trails (6.6 miles) are open year-round. Some trails (3.6 miles) are designated as "seasonal" and are closed at the trailheads after heavy rain. When the ground is firm enough to ride and hike on without causing damage, the trails are re-opened by preserve rangers. 
• Please be courteous to other trail users. Always yield to equestrians. Bikes must also yield to hikers. When in a group, avoid blocking the trail. Help preserve the land by staying on trails.
• Lake and Fishing: Arastradero Lake is a twenty minute hike from the parking lot and is open all year to fishing. All California Fish and Game rules apply. Boats, flotation devices, and swimming are not permitted.

• In the 1970s, Palo Alto purchased the Arastradero property (533 acres and three buildings) from Arastra Ltd. for $7,475,000 after the city amended its Comprehensive Plan to include most of the foothills in the Open Space Controlled Development. In addition, restrictions were imposed that would limit development to an average of ten acres per dwelling. In 1981 the space was dedicated as park land, with “...emphasis on the natural and open space amenities of the land and sensitivity to the fragile foothills ecology.”
• Arastradero Preserve was renamed Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in 2004 to honor former city council member Enid Pearson who was instrumental in the passage of a measure in 1965 that prohibits Palo Alto from selling any park land without voters’ approval.

These are a few of the rules that enable everyone to have an enjoyable experience in this nature preserve:

• All Rules and Regulations 
• Park only in designated parking spaces at the parking lot.
• Dogs are required to be on leash and under physical control at all times.
• Fires, barbecues, and smoking are prohibited anywhere in the preserve.
• Stay on marked trails. You may not go off trail.
• No hunting or camping.
• Helmets are required for all bicyclists.
• No collecting of plants or animals.
• No remote control devices, including devices such as boats, planes, quadcopters, drones.
• Some trails are closed seasonally due to wet weather.

Gathering Permit:

(For group hikes or bike rides over 24 people).

• Maximum group size for this permit is 30 persons for recreational activities.
• Please contact open.space@paloalto.gov at least two weeks before your planned event to secure a permit.
• There is no fee for this type of permit.

Commercial Use Permit:

Under the authority of PAMC 22.04.160 the city manages all commercial activities on Open Space lands in order to protect our shared natural resources and the enjoyment of all visitors to the preserve(s). This permit is intended to help regulate summer camps, after school programs, or other business ventures on Open Space lands to are in alignment with the department's mission. 

• A fee is assessed based on the Palo Alto Municipal Fee Schedule.
• Commercial Use Permits are not issued for weekends or City recognized holidays.
• Please contact open.space@paloalto.gov at least one month before your planned event to secure a permit.

Film and Photography Permit:

The city has implemented the Film and Photography Policy for Open Space lands in order to protect our shared natural resources and the enjoyment of all visitors to the preserve(s). 

Open Space and Parks Film and Photography Policy

Here's a summary of the Open Space Film Policy, broken down by level:

Personal Photography and Film (No Permit Required)

• Non-commercial use only (e.g., personal photos or small family shoots without the exchange of money for fees).
• Under 24 people, lasting 1 hour or less. (Photographers may not stack multiple shoots with different customers)
• No impact on wildlife, vegetation, or visitor access. No off-trail use allowed. Set items prohibited.
• Must comply with municipal codes and park regulations.
• No exclusive use of large areas; no shoots during park closure hours.

Low-Impact Photography and Film (Permit Required)

• Includes commercial & non-commercial shoots with some minimal impact on the park or public areas.
• No off-trail use allowed
• Allows up to two hours, with multi-camera setups and additional equipment.
• Photographers may have multiple clients but are still capped at 2 hours total time limit. 
• No significant disturbance to wildlife, habitat, or public access. Set items prohibited.
• No exclusive use of large areas; no shoots during park closure hours.
• Not permitted on weekends and holidays. 

General Permit Conditions

• Protect wildlife and habitat; do not disturb natural resources.
• No drones, vehicles, amplified sound, or open flames.
• Compliance with parking and filming site cleanup.
• May need to show proof of insurance.
• Potential fees, including a refundable deposit up to $1,000.
• Commercial Use Permits are not issued for weekends or City recognized holidays
• Please contact open.space@paloalto.gov at least two weeks before your planned session to secure a permit.

Scientific Research Permits:

The city manages all research activities on Open Space lands in order to protect our shared natural resources and the enjoyment of all visitors to the preserve(s):

• Research findings shall be shared with the department and will be added to the recorded research in the preserve's files.
• All research permit holders must show valid proof of insurance (ACORD Form). 
• All research permit projects must be in alignment with the city of Palo Alto’s Open Space Division Mission Statement.
• Research is recommended to be completed during weekdays. All researchers must complete their work between 8am and posted closing time.
• Other permits maybe necessary based on the type of work being conducted (I.E. California Fish and Wildlife Collection Permit).

• Please contact open.space@paloalto.gov at least 6 weeks before your research project is planned to begin to secure a permit.

Cremation Scattering Permit:

We are glad Palo Alto’s open space preserves and parks are meaningful to you and your loved ones. Please help us keep these places special by following the following rules regarding scattering ashes.

• The park's purpose is to protect the resources of the area; therefore, individuals or groups must remain within 10 feet of paved areas and trails at all times to prevent damage to vegetation.
• The scattering of cremated remains is prohibited: within 1,000 feet of any residence or dwelling, or within 500 feet of any lake, creek, stream, or other body of water.
•  Cremated remains must be scattered, must not be left in a pile, and must not be readily visible to the public. No teeth, bone fragments, or remnants recognizable as human remains may be scattered.
•  No containers for the cremains, identification tags, vases, flowerpots, or other associated non-organic materials, or non-native plants, may be left at the site.
•  No memorial, plaque, or other site marker may be left at the site.
•  Any person scattering cremated remains shall possess and present upon request this valid permit when scattering cremated remains.
•  No more than 25 people may attend the spreading the ashes. If you would like to have more people attend the ceremony, you may book the Oak Grove Group Picnic Site.
• A copy of the Certificate of Cremated Human Remains must accompany the application.
• Ceremonies shall not interfere with normal visitor traffic. 

Construction / Right to Entry/ Defensible Space Permit:

This permit is intended for city contractors, utility companies & their contractors, and neighboring residents. This allows construction / maintenance work on or adjacent to department lands and access through department gates.  

• Generally, hours of work should be constrained to M-F 8AM-4PM (Homeowners conducting fire fuel reduction / Bonafide utility emergency work are exempt).
• Work shall not be conducted during Fire Weather Watches or Red Flag Days. As well as not on days when there is active rainfall or 48 hours following rainfall totaling a half of an inch or more in 24 hours. 
• There may be insurance, fees, or remediation requirements based on type of work being completed.
• Please contact open.space@paloalto.gov at least 6 weeks before your project is planned to begin to secure a permit.

This section highlights upcoming work being done by Open Space staff, and work recently completed. 

Upcoming: 

• Arastradero Wayfinding, Regulatory, and Information Signage Replacement (Project Fact Sheet(PDF, 150KB)) 

RECENTLY COMPLETED: 

• Preserve structures overhaul & installation (Benches and Split Rail Fencing) (FY 2025)
• Tracy Ct Bridge decking replacement. (FY 2025)
• Trail Repairs for Juan Baptista De Anza and Wild Rye Trails. (FY 2025)
• Trail Improvements to Meadowlark Trail to improve year-round access. (FY 2024)

Pearson-Arastradero Nature Preserve is home to many species including Coyotes. To maintain a positive experience please keep pets on leash at all times and give wildlife plenty of space.

The City will seek a consultant to assist with completing a permanent creek stabilization project to protect the upstream utility pipeline crossings in Arastradero Creek in the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. The project will consist of repairing a six-foot head cut in the creek that exposed an existing gas pipeline crossing.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gave notice of its intent to provide funding for the project under the Public Assistance Grant Program. View FEMA's Final Public Notice of intent to provide funding.