Near Schilling Lake Trail
Schilling Lake is down below, behind the trees, end of the hike.
Near Schilling Lake Trail
The trail is easy to walk, not always that wide but fairly flat. Fall is a nice time of the year for kids.
Near Schilling Lake Trail
Beginning of the trail, dense forest typical for the area.
Near Schilling Lake Trail
The view toward Palo Alto from the Schilling Lake Trail in Thornewood Open Space Preserve.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Schilling Lake Trail

3.5 (2 Ratings)
An easy hike through the hillside that ends up in the redwoods, making a nice family hike.
0.8
mi
Distance
45
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsFamily FriendlyLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.79mi
Distance
45ft
Elevation Gain
126ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
967ft
High Point
875ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Leaving the parking lot, you'll see a private road to your right. The trail starts to its left, marked by a couple of information posts. After a moderately steep series of 180 turns, the trail becomes mostly flat. After 0.6 mile on the hillside with some view to your left, notably Stanford and the Dish, you'll cross another private road to your right (take the left), and go down to the redwoods and Schilling Lake.

Route Conditions

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Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Benjamin Lefaudeux