Seasonal Trails are Currently Open
Seasonal Trails: Bowl Loop, Woodrat, and Wild Rye trails are subject to seasonal closures. All other trails remain open year-round.
Trail Closure Criteria:
Seasonal trails will be closed if rainfall exceeds 0.5 inches over 24 hours or 1 inch within 7 days, as measured at the Foothills Nature Preserve weather station.
Trail Reopening Criteria:
Trails may be reopened after at least 48 hours of no rain and only when trail conditions are dry and tracks are not left by all user groups.
Trail Locations:
Seasonal trails are generally located on the western side of the preserve, except for Wild Rye Trail, which is in the lower area. These trails are marked in red on the map attached in Appendix A.
Why Seasonal Closures Matter:
Closing trails during wet conditions helps protect the preserve's natural environment by:
- Preventing trail erosion and damage to fragile soil structures
- Protecting sensitive wildlife habitats, especially during the winter and early spring
- Allowing native vegetation to recover and reducing the spread of invasive species
- Minimizing maintenance needs and preserving trail quality for future use
Authority and Management Plan:
Seasonal closures are part of the Arastradero Trail Maintenance Plan, which guides sustainable use and long-term preservation of trail infrastructure. Authority for trail closures are granted under Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) 22.04.250 – Regulation R1-3 (Closure of Facilities), which allows the City to temporarily close areas for public safety, environmental protection, and resource conservation.
Stay Informed:
For current trail status, please check:
- City of Palo Alto Trail Conditions Website
- The preserve parking lot bulletin board
- Or call the Foothills Nature Preserve Interpretive Center at (650) 329-2423
Page Fire - Update 6/23/2026
On Monday, June 22, 2026, at approximately 4:44 PM, Palo Alto Fire Department and Open Space Rangers responded to a wildland fire on Arastradero Road. There were no injuries or structures involved. The fire was contained by 5:17 PM and mapped at 4.1 Acres. Fire and Ranger crews continue to monitor the site for flare ups and hot spots. The fire cause is currently under investigation.
By order of the Supervising Park Ranger, the area encompassed by the Page Fire burn scar, approximately 4.1 Acres of the Arastradero Preserve, is closed to all members of the public starting June 22nd, 2026, through June 30, 2027. This does not affect any trails or fire roads within the preserve. This closure is for public safety and protection of natural resources. Minimizing disturbance post fire will ensure minimal erosion of the topsoil and prevent the spread of invasive weed species. In particular, the population of Kellogg’s Yampah (Perideridia kelloggii), a native grass species, in the fire’s footprint is of particular concern to be negatively affected by the spread of invasive weeds; such as Yellow Star Thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) and Dittrichia (Dittrichia graveolens), and will need continued monitoring.
Authority for this closure comes from Palo Alto Municipal Code 22.04.030. Citations may be issued for failure to abide by this posted closure order. Thank you for your future cooperation in keeping our Palo Alto Preserves a safe and well cared for place.
The Palo Alto Rangers and Palo Alto Fire Department would like to thank the following cooperating agencies for their assistance including and not limited to: Woodside Fire Protection District, Calfire CZU San Mateo / Santa Cruz County, Calfire SCU Santa Clara County, Menlo Park Fire Department, Redwood City Fire Department, Palo Alto Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, and the Palo Alto Utilities Department.