April Trail Run
Monthly Trail Run
Arasterdero & Foothill Parks
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Last month we departed from our usual diet of steep trail and ran on the Baylands for 'easy' long miles as well as an introduction to trail running. About 20 turned out and all enjoyed excellent running surface of the rain dampened trails as an alternative to the roads.
In April we continue the trail running introduction theme. This time starting in Palo Alto's Arastradero Park and running into Foothills Park. Hilly for sure, but not extreme, with well maintained trails. And the trail head is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Palo Alto. The Foothill Park section of the route offers Peninsula and Bay views as well as a sense of the wild.
When   Saturday, April 4, 2009. Meet at 8:15am for an 8:30am start.
Where   Palo Alto's Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. And then running into Palo Alto's Foothills Park. There is no parking fee. Dogs not allowed in Foothills Park on weekends.
How   to get there... Take Page Mill Rd West. About a half mile after passing under Hwy 280, turn right on Arastradero Rd. The parking lot is on the right about a half mile up Arastradero Rd. Google Map directions from the Lucie Stern Center.
Caution: these roads are very popular with cyclists on weekend mornings. Please look out for the cyclists.
No Carpool: since this run is only minutes from Palo Alto, we are not arranging for carpools this month.
What   A long (about 13.6 miles, 2000 feet vertical) and an intermediate run (about 6.3 miles, 800 feet vertical).
This is a remote trail run and each runner must carry at least one water bottle.
To avoid having to search for lost runners we ask every runner to find other runners of approximately the same running ability to form a group. The runners in each group must be able to account for their partners to make sure no one is left behind.
As usual, there will be a runner's potluck after the run, so please bring food or drink to share.
Trail Directions
The map of Palo Alto's Pearson-Arastradero Preserve can be found here. The map of Palo Alto's Foothills Park can be found here. Maps and trail directions will be distributed at the run. The Google Maps Terrain View of the area is also illuminating. All distances are approximate.
Intermediate Run: 6.3 miles, 800' gain
SEGMENTMILESTOTAL
South on Redtail Loop Tr, cross road, thru gate0.1 0.1  
Continue West on Juan Bautista Tr0.5 0.6  
L on Arastradero Creek Tr1.4 2.1  
Thru gate, L on Coyote Tr0.4 2.5  
R on unnamed Tr to Vista Point, enjoy view0.2 2.7  
Cross hill, continue West down road0.2 2.8  
R on Chamise Tr0.5 3.3  
R on road (Las Trampas Valley)0.1 3.4  
Part ways with Long Run, Continue on road0.3 3.6  
R on Coyote Trail0.6 4.2  
Thru gate, Continue on Arastradero Creek Tr1.4 5.7  
R on Juan Bautista Tr0.5 6.1  
L on Redtail Loop Tr, thru gate, cross road0.1 6.3  
Long Run: 13.6 miles, 2,000' gain
SEGMENTMILESTOTAL
South on Redtail Loop Tr, cross road, thru gate0.1 0.1  
Continue West on Juan Bautista Tr0.5 0.6  
L on Arastradero Creek Tr1.4 2.1  
Thru gate, L on Coyote Tr0.4 2.5  
R on unnamed Tr to Vista Point, enjoy view0.2 2.7  
Cross hill, continue West down road0.2 2.8  
R on Chamise Tr0.5 3.3  
R on road (Las Trampas Valley)0.1 3.4  
L across field (part ways with Intermediate Run)0.1 3.4  
Continue on Los Trancos Tr0.5 3.9  
R on Los Trancos Tr @ Sunrise Tr jct.0.5 4.4  
Continue on Los Trancos Tr @ Steep Hollow jct.2.7 7.1  
Rest at bench, Continue on Los Trancos Tr1.9 9.1  
R on Costanoan Tr0.8 9.9  
Continue on Fern Loop Tr (you decide on L or R)0.6 10.5  
L on road (Wildhorse Valley)0.6 11.0  
L on road (Las Trampas Valley)0.3 11.3  
R up road0.3 11.6  
Thru gate, Continue on Arastradero Creek Tr1.4 13.0  
R on Juan Bautista Tr0.5 13.5  
L on Redtail Loop Tr, thru gate, cross road0.1 13.6