Bounded by Portola Valley, Los Altos Hills, The Pearson-Arastradero Preserve and Los Trancos Open Space, the 1,400-acre Foothills Park is a nature lover's paradise. Miles of trails provide access through rugged chaparral, woodlands, fields, streams, a lake, and provide spectacular views of the bay area. Wildlife abounds, and it is common to see deer and coyotes; if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of a bobcat. The park is located 2.7 miles west of Hwy. 280 at 3300 Page Mill Road.

Residency Requirement

Foothills Park is open to Palo Alto residents and their guests only. Proof of residency is required. Guests must be accompanied through the entrance by a Palo Alto resident. Limit of 15 guests in two cars per resident. Names of guests cannot be left at the gate. Groups of 25 or more must make a reservation.

Preserve Rules

+ Dogs are permitted on leash on weekdays only (NO DOGS WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS).
+ Bicycles are allowed on paved roads only, and not on trails.
+ Coasting devices (i.e. skates, roller blades, scooters and skateboards) are not allowed in Foothills Park.
+ Fires, barbecues and smoking are restricted to designated areas.
+ Use park barbecues for charcoal fires only; no wood fires.

A complete set of park municipal codes may be viewed by clicking: Title 22 Parks.

A complete set of Park and Open Space Regulations are listed at the bottom of this page.

Hiking Trails

There are fifteen miles of hiking trails, which offer a variety of hiking experiences. The longest hike is the Los Trancos Trail, which is 7.5 miles. The Toyon Self-Guided Nature Trail enables you to learn about nature at your own pace.

Lake, Fishing, and Boating

Fishing is permitted in Boronda Lake with a license only. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and sunfish. While swimming is prohibited you can enjoy the lake with your non-motorized and hand-launched boat. Canoes are also available for rent on the weekends and holidays from May 1st to October 31st, weather permitting.

Picnic Areas and Camping

Seven picnic areas offer a variety of sites; tables, barbeques, and water are available. Groups of more than 25 people must have a permit; the Oak Grove group picnic area can be reserved.

Towle Camp is a seasonal campground available to residents and their guests for tent camping from May 1 to October 31. At the end of Wildhorse Valley, eight peaceful campsites are nestled under the trees, each site offers a BBQ, water, picnic table, tent area and a food box. Group sites are also available. Campsites can be reserved up to one year in advance. Many Friday and Saturday nights are booked two to four months in advance. Sunday through Thursday nights are often available that same week.

Foothills Park Facility Use Application Packet and Foothills Park Map are found at the bottom of this page.

For more information please call 650-329-2423

Nature Interpretive Center

The Nature Interpretive Center has exhibits and maps and is the starting point for many nature walks.

Nature Programs

Special request interpretive programs are available at Foothills Park by reservation. Programs vary from arts and craft style programs, nature hikes and walks to canoe programs on Boronda Lake and can be tailored to the needs of your group. A downloadable copy of the request form is available at the bottom of this page. Please contact Ranger Richard Bicknell at 650-329-2423 for more information or reservations.

If staff is available you can also request a Ranger to stop by and visit with your group in any preserve. These free "15 minute" talks are a great way to get acquainted with the park, find out what is blooming or what animals are out or learn a little about the history of this local treasure. Please call 650-329-2423 for requests in Foothills Park and the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve or 650-617-3156 for the Baylands Preserve.

History

The land for Foothills Park was sold to the City of Palo Alto by Dr. Russel Lee, founder of the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, in 1958, on the condition that it be preserved as open space. The park was formally dedicated in 1965. The Interpretive Center in the park is housed in a building originally built by Dr. Lee as a horse stable. For more information, see the Palo Alto Historical Association chapter on Foothills Park.

Articles