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A short, shaded, trail that connects the Meadowlark Trail with the Arastradero Creek Trail.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Point to Point

715' 218 m

High

530' 162 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

185' 56 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

The preserve is open from 8 am to sunset throughout the year. Hours are posted at the parking lot and can be found online. The Bowl Loop Trail is one of the seasonal trails and may be closed due to rain. Call 650-329-2423 or check online.

Description

To access the Woodrat Trail, use the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail and turn left at the first Meadowlark Trail intersection. Follow the Meadowlark Trail for .3 miles, and then the trail breaks off to the left.

The trail narrows and becomes dirt as it leaves the Meadowlark Trail and makes its way toward a connector trail on the right that leads to Bowl Loop. The trail moves toward the left and the woods that are found there. It starts to descend in earnest, which makes it a popular trail for mountain bikers as there are several switchbacks that make for a challenging descent.

The shade of the trail is nice and provides nice cover from the sun. Birds can be seen in the trees along the trail as it descends through the ravine. The trail straightens out as it approaches the Arastradero Creek Trail, which is a wide, gravel trail that runs from the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail (to the left) and the Foothills Park entrance (to the right). Going to the left will allow you to return to your car by passing the Arastradero Lake.

Flora & Fauna

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.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#29119

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#3,161

in California

#29,119

Overall
3 Views Last Month
115 Since Mar 27, 2016
Easy Easy

100%
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Photos

Views of the surrounding hills.
Apr 5, 2016 near Ladera, CA
The Woodrat Trail narrows and becomes dirt as it descends from the Meadowlark Trail.
Apr 5, 2016 near Ladera, CA
As the trail drops through the woods, large old trees sit alongside the trail.
Apr 5, 2016 near Ladera, CA
The trail is a singletrack gravel path that leads out to Vista Point. There is a picnic table just off the trail for people wanting to grab a bite to eat.
Mar 28, 2016 near Ladera, CA
The trail intersection with the Arastradero Creek Trail.
Apr 5, 2016 near Ladera, CA
A small connector trail breaks off to the right from the Woodrat Trail.
Apr 5, 2016 near Ladera, CA

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Jan 1, 2022
Shivi K
Beautiful day
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