San Francisquito Creek Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fishing · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The most convenient parking area on the east end of the trail is across the street from the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Center. The nature center is open weekends (Saturday: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Sunday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm). Bathrooms can be found at the parking area near the Duck Pond Loop. Parking on the western end is easiest at the Palo Alto Baylands Athletic Center near the baseball diamond.

This trail can be done both directions. Arguably, the most scenic side is the eastern end (near the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Center - open on weekends).

Beginning at the parking lot east of the nature center, carefully cross the road to reach the trailhead. The gravel trail follows the marsh front as it meanders through the park. 300 feet from the trailhead on the right is the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Center, which features informational exhibits and docents that can teach users about the nature found in the park. A delightful boardwalk wraps around the building and extends several hundred feet to the north over the marsh.

At about 0.33 miles, the trail reaches the boundary of the Palo Alto Airport. This is a great area to watch planes take off and land, and can provide endless entertainment to toddlers and airplane enthusiasts alike.

The path follows the northeastern boundary of the airport until it reaches the mouth of San Francisquito Creek at 0.9 miles. A short spur trail departs to the northeast to a bench and a beautiful lookout. After rain this area can be quite muddy.

At 1.3 miles the path becomes paved and reaches a junction. Taking the bridges (west) departs the park and continues along the bay front. To follow the San Francisquito Creek Trail, continue south.

At 1.8 miles a short connector accesses the parking area at the Palo Alto Baylands Athletic Center. This is the most convenient parking lot on the western end of the path. The paved path continues for another 0.3 miles, where it terminates at E Bayshore Road.

Waterfowl are the most abundant fauna on this trail. Other birds may be seen, as well as western fence lizards, rabbits, and deer. Flora include flowers, especially in the spring time, and other bushes common to Bay Area tidal marshes, such as fennel (very aromatic - smells like licorice).