The preserve is home to the rare California red-legged frog, which inhabits the man-made and natural ponds on the property.
It is an important 'wildlife corridor' allowing movement between the Baylands and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The preserve was once part of the Rancho El Corte de Madera, a Mexican land grant in the 1840s.
Arastradero Creek, which runs through the preserve, is a seasonal creek that creates significant wetlands during winter months.
The park maintains a strict 'pack it in, pack it out' policy for all trash.
The landscape features rare valley oak savannas which are considered sensitive ecological communities in California.
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is a 622-acre protected wilderness area featuring a network of over 10 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The terrain consists of rolling grasslands, oak woodlands, and riparian corridors, providing habitats for diverse wildlife such as bobcats, coyotes, and deer. Managed by the City of Palo Alto, the preserve serves as a significant biological corridor connecting the Santa Cruz Mountains to the San Francisco Bay. The Gateway Picnic Area provides a central starting point with access to the primary trailheads. Portions of the preserve are frequently muddy during the rainy season, leading to temporary trail closures to prevent erosion. The preserve sits at a topographic transition zone, offering varied elevation changes that provide views of the surrounding hills. It is part of the broader Midpeninsula Regional Open Space network's ecological strategy.
The elevated vantage point on the Meadowlark Trail, which provides a panoramic view of the oak-studded grasslands.
Download a digital map before arrival, as cellular reception is inconsistent throughout the valleys.
Bring extra water, as there are very few potable water stations once you leave the main parking lot.
Check the official City of Palo Alto website for real-time trail closures before heading out, especially after rainfall.
Do not attempt to hike on narrow trails immediately following heavy rain, as the clay-heavy soil becomes extremely slippery and prone to damage.
Trails are frequently closed to all users during and after significant rainfall to protect habitat and prevent trail degradation.
Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive flora; cyclists must yield to hikers and horses; dogs must be leashed.
