Text by SADIE IBBOTSON-BROWN and SEBASTIAN BONNARD
Photo by AUDREY JOACHIM
A
guide
to Bay Area
parks
EXPLORING PALO ALTO’S NATURAL SIDE
A
T THE VERY TOP of a particularly difficult climb at the Dish, you’re greeted with a wide view of the whole city, filled with miniscule buildings and clusters of trees. The wind sends the golden grasses dancing, a rare moment of peace amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While Silicon Valley is known for being a hub of technology and infrastructure, nearby open space preserves showcase the natural beauty of the Bay Area, each offering unique trails and amenities. After months of lockdown, more Palo Alto residents are returning to their favorite parks — while adhering to COVID-19 rules and regulations — for a perfect escape from computer screens. v
Foothills Park Perhaps Palo Alto’s most well known open space preserve, Foothills Park reopened on Aug. 31 to the public, attracting those looking to hike, bike and generally enjoy the second-largest park in the city. The plethora of wildlife and trails make this park an ideal destination to get some fresh air. After showing proof of residency at the park’s entrance, visitors can expect to spot wild turkeys, hawks and herons roaming across the park grounds; at less frequented hours, one can even see deer and coyotes. Two of the most popular of Foothills’ many trails are Los Trancos and Toyon, suitable for hikers with a wide range of experience. At 7.3 miles long, the former is for the adventurous who want to get their blood flowing, and the latter for those who wish to experience Foothills’ beauty at a shorter distance of 1.4 miles. Enid Pearson is the former Palo Alto City Council member responsible for the expansion and preservation of many municipal parks and the namesake of the Pearson-Arastradero preserve. “It [Foothills Park] is full of trails; you can hike for hours up to the top and see the skyline,” Pearson said. “You can look out at the whole Bay Area up there.” Since the park’s municipal establishment in the early 1960s, entrance to Foothills has been restricted to Palo Alto residents and their guests — a recent topic of debate that has prompted a lawsuit from the ACLU. Still, while the views of the Bay Area are certainly impressive, ROLLING HILLS — The sunny California skies perhaps Foothills’ most distinguishable trait is its limited number are on prominent display at Foothills park. The preserve remains a peaceful spot even in the of visitors –– a disadvantage to those excluded –– and a benefit to midst of a pandemic with its sweeping treeline the many residents who enjoy its tranquility. and gentle hills. Photo: Laura Malagrino
40 OCTOBER 2020
