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A dirt trail that drops to Arastradero Road from the Meadowlark Trail.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Point to Point

396' 121 m

High

335' 102 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

61' 18 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

6%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

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

Description

The Portola Pastures Trailhead is accessed via the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail and then taking a right onto the Meadowlark Trail and climbing the hill. When the Meadowlark Trail takes off to the left, the Portola Pastures Trail continues straight ahead and transforms from a wider gravel trail into a narrow, singletrack dirt trail. It winds around the hill as it begins to drop down to the road that runs along the preserve.

Unlike most of the trails in the preserve, this trail is rough due to the heavy horse use that this trail receives. Horseshoe marks are seen all along the trail, especially if it has been wet. Views of the Redtail Loop Trail are on the right side of the trail. Wildflowers bloom along the trail in the late winter and early spring. The trail drops to below street level where it crosses a small creek via a wooden bridge and then cuts back to the right before it climbs slightly to street level. There are more wildflowers in bloom here as it approaches the road. It can be muddy along the road if there has been rain recently, causing more water to flow along the road than normal.

Once you arrive at the road, you have several options. You can retrace your steps and do further exploring in the preserve, or you can cross the road and meet up with the Redtail Loop Trail. If you go straight on the Redtail Loop Trail following the road, this will lead you back to the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

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

  2.0 from 1 vote

#45660

Overall
  2.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#4,801

in California

#45,660

Overall
2 Views Last Month
148 Since Mar 29, 2016
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Photos

Sunset in the preserve.  The view toward the Redtail Loop Trail and the surrounding hills.
Mar 31, 2016 near Ladera, CA
As the trail departs the Meadowlark Trail, it transforms from a gravel path to a narrower dirt path.
Mar 31, 2016 near Ladera, CA
The trail as it descends along the hillside.
Mar 31, 2016 near Ladera, CA
Looking back up the trail as it descends along the ridge.
Mar 31, 2016 near Ladera, CA
Flowers blooming next to the trail as it approaches the road.
Mar 31, 2016 near Ladera, CA
Looking up the the hill during sunset.
Mar 31, 2016 near Ladera, CA

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