Matadero Creek Trail, Bol Park Bike Path 2016-02-26

The Stanford Dish hike we did last year is the only exception to this otherwise 100% dog friendly hiking blog. I hope this particular hike will make acceptable amends to that exception. Located in the same neighborhood, Matadero Creek trail is an easement in the "academic reserve" of Stanford that is open to the public to enjoy the panoramic views of the hills around Page Mill Rd and Hwy 280. 

Matadero Creek trail is a paved, blacktop, multi-use trail from Foothill Expwy & Page Mill Rd to Deer Creek Rd. And from Deer Creek Rd to Arastradero Rd, the single track dirt trail is open only to pedestrians. Street side parking is available on Coyote Hill Rd off Page Mill Rd.

We started our hike catching the trail at the intersection of Coyote Hill Rd & Page Mill Rd. The blacktop trail essentially borders Page Mill Rd until Deer Creek Rd, offering excellent views all around, including Stanford University on the right. 

The dirt trail segment beyond Deer Creek Rd passes by a horse stable and climbs its way through rolling green hills. Over the next 1/2 mile, the trail gains about 400 feet in elevation. I noticed a Great Blue Heron making an unusual stop by the hills, not where one would normally expect to find these beautiful birds. 

You will also get to see Hwy 280 from a different perspective both to the north and south as you hike this trail. Over the second half, the trail gives up the elevation as quickly as it gained it by the time it reaches Arastradero Rd.

We turned left here and continued our walk by the paved, muti-use trail that runs by Arastradero Rd all the way until Foothill Expwy. The trail crosses Deer Creek Rd and passes by Vmware offices on the left before it eventually reaches Foothill Expwy.

The entrance to Bol Park Bike Path is from Miranda Rd, just north of Foothill Expwy. Heading in a north westerly direction, this trail passes Gunn High School on the right, VA Hospital on the left, crosses Barrons Creek and Matadero Creek before reaching the Bol Park, a nice neighborhood park in Palo Alto. 

Laguna Ave offers an alternative spot to park and do the hike described here. The dirt trail through the park passes right by Matadero Creek. It is possible to get down to the creek if you are so inclined. 

Leaving the park behind, we were back on the bike path that ends just ahead making a sharp turn at Hanover St. The next mile or so is somewhat nondescript, where we used the sidewalk on Hanover St, Porter Dr and Page Mill Rd, passing by the offices of HP, Lockheed Martin and few other tech companies before reaching Foothill Expwy.

We wrapped up our 5.8 mile hike walking the short stretch of Matadero Creek trail from here until Coyote Hill Rd. Predominantly exposed, this is not a hike for hot days.

More photos from our hike.
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