Foothills Park

Foothills Park is a 1,400-acre nature preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Palo Alto, featuring woodlands, meadows, and several streams across its terrain. Boronda Lake sits within the park and serves as a focal point along the trail system.

Physician Russel Lee sold the land to Palo Alto in 1958, and the park remained restricted to city residents for decades. The access policy changed in 2020, allowing the broader public to visit.

The Nature Interpretive Center teaches visitors about local wildlife and plant life through guided programs throughout the year. People come here to understand how the landscape functions and what makes the Santa Cruz Mountains important for the region's ecology.

The park is open daily, and visitors can explore the grounds on foot or by bicycle. Parking is available, and shaded areas with picnic spots are scattered throughout for comfortable visits.

The property was kept private for many years as a retreat for wealthy residents before opening to the public. This shift from exclusive access to open use represents an unusual change in how the region manages its natural spaces.

Location: Palo Alto

GPS coordinates: 37.35333,-122.18167

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52