Near Bowl Loop
A hawk sits in a tree next to the trail. The preserve is great for birding as it is home to a wide variety of them.
Near Bowl Loop
A mountain biker drops from the hill. You can see part of a Bowl Loop Trail that runs along the top of the hill.
Near Bowl Loop
Bowl Loop hugs the hill on the far side of the ravine. Two mountain bikers can be seen enjoying the rolling nature of the trail.
Near Bowl Loop
A mountain biker heads off to the Bowl Loop Trail after completing Bowl Loop.
Near Bowl Loop
A side trail leads up to the Bowl Loop Trails that run along the hilltop.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Bowl Loop

2.0 (2 Ratings)
A rolling trail with great views; popular with mountain bikers.
0.3
mi
Distance
43
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
The preserve is open from 8 am to sunset throughout the year. Hours are posted at the parking lot and can be found online. There are several seasonal trails that may be closed due to rain. Call 650-329-2423 or check online.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.26mi
Distance
43ft
Elevation Gain
58ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
762ft
High Point
706ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trailhead for Bowl Loop is on the Meadowlark Trail at the far end of the preserve. It's a popular loop for mountain bikers because it has a couple of steep hills that rise and fall before the trail returns to the Meadowlark Trail. The trail is a narrow, dirt track that drops immediately downhill before it climbs immediately up an adjoining hill. It turns to the right and follows the boundary of the park before breaking to the right and dropping back downhill. The descent is steeper this time. The trail bottoms out, and then climbs back up to the Meadowlark Trail. There are great views of the South and East Bay from close to the park boundary as it is above the other trails in the area.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
David Hitchcock