Arastradero-Meadowlark Loop

This was a return visit for me to Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. Although this park closes many of its trails in the late winter and early spring due to flooding, I was treated to views of snow on top of the Diablo Range across the bay, south east of San Jose! 

I took an approximately 5-mile loop of the only trails that happened to be open on this day. I was actually glad to take this route, because the trails were compacted with fine gravel and would be appropriate for bringing my daughter in a stroller the next time I come.

The Arastradero Creek Trail follows along some telephone or electrical lines, but it is nice to hear the burbling of the creek and there are lots of amazing oaks along this portion of the hike.

I really liked the densely wooded Acorn Trail, which climbs up to the vistas that showed off the snow covered mountains in the east bay.

I took the Meadowlark trail bay, which is gently graded and easy on the knees. I plan to return to this park as the spring wildflowers come out!