Near Vista Point Trail
Views of the South and East Bay from Vista Point.
Near Vista Point Trail
Views of the surrounding hills.
Near Vista Point Trail
The small gravel trail leads to a wonderful shade tree where sweeping views of the surrounding hills and area await.
Near Vista Point Trail
Two mountain bike riders take a break in the shade of the tree as they enjoy the view.
Near Vista Point Trail
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.

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Hike Trail

Vista Point Trail

4.0 (1 Rating)
A short, gravel trail that leads to a shade tree with sweeping views.
0.1
mi
Distance
4
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
Family FriendlyViews
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. Vista Point and some of the trails are seasonal and may be closed due to rain. Call 650-329-2423 or check online.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.1mi
Distance
4ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
5%
Max Grade
734ft
High Point
714ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The !Vista Point Trail is located off the Meadowlark Trail at the far end of the preserve. Even though it is one of the shortest trails in the preserve, it offers some of the most sweeping views. In order to get to the trail, you'll have to cover 1.5 miles on the Meadowlark Trail until a narrow, gravel trail breaks off to the right. The trail dips slightly as it passes a picnic table before climbing gently to the top of a hill where a giant shade tree sits at the end of the trail. There is a bench under the tree that provides a great place to rest and take in the views. From here, you get the best 360-degree view in the park. You can see the homes that sit just outside the park, a reminder of what the preserve would have become had it not been protected. The South Bay sits off to the right while the Stanford Dish, Dumbarton Bridge, and San Mateo sit in front of you. After resting in the shade of the tree and enjoying the view, return to the Meadowlark Trail to continue your adventure.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
David Hitchcock