Los Trancos & San Andreas Fault, CA

• 3-star hike
• 3 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 510 feet
• Mountain View, CA | San Francisco Region
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The image shows a sign for 'Los Trancos Open Space Preserve' which is part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The sign is set in a natural landscape with tall grasses and trees under a blue sky with some clouds. This location is a nature preserve, offering protected habitats for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor activities and conservation efforts.

The image shows a sign for 'Los Trancos Open Space Preserve' which is part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The sign is set in a natural landscape with tall grasses and trees under a blue sky with some clouds. This location is a nature preserve, offering protected habitats for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor activities and conservation efforts.

Los Trancos Open Space Preserve

Located in the hills above Los Altos, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Los Trancos Open Preserve features the educational Earthquake Trail that crosses directly over the San Andreas Fault. This preserve offers hikers a chance to observe one of the world's most significant geological features up close.

Visitors should pick up an interpretive map at the trailhead. This map identifies subtle landscape features that reveal evidence of fault activity, including offset fence lines, unusual depressions, and distinct vegetation patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

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⬤ 3★ Los Trancos Fault Trail 2.8 mi loop, easy, gain 510 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The trail begins in open terrain with expansive views. On clear days, hikers can see across the bay to San Bruno Mountain and occasionally as far as Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains. These viewpoints provide context for understanding the regional landscape and fault system.

As you continue, the path moves into woodland, where oak and madrone trees provide shade for most of the hike. The terrain is generally moderate with manageable elevation changes, making it accessible for most hikers. Interpretive signs along the route explain fault mechanics and the local impact of past earthquakes.

The image shows a scenic view of a parking area in a hilly, natural landscape. The parking lot is surrounded by greenery and hills, with several cars parked. There is a road leading to the parking area, and a few people can be seen near the cars. The background features rolling hills with a mix of grassy and wooded areas, under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a scenic view of a parking area in a hilly, natural landscape. The parking lot is surrounded by greenery and hills, with several cars parked. There is a road leading to the parking area, and a few people can be seen near the cars. The background features rolling hills with a mix of grassy and wooded areas, under a clear blue sky.

Great views from the trailhead already!

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two different forest trails. The left side shows a shaded, narrow dirt path bordered by a rustic wooden fence, surrounded by dense green foliage and trees. The right side depicts a wider, sunlit grassy trail with sparse wooden posts, flanked by trees and bushes under a clear blue sky.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two different forest trails. The left side shows a shaded, narrow dirt path bordered by a rustic wooden fence, surrounded by dense green foliage and trees. The right side depicts a wider, sunlit grassy trail with sparse wooden posts, flanked by trees and bushes under a clear blue sky.

Fenceline interrupted by the fault. | Markers identify the fault line.

Tangents:
• Official: Los Trancos Preserve
• AllTrails Public: Los Trancos
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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