Los Trancos & San Andreas Fault, CA
• 3-star hike
• 2.8 mile loop
• Easy difficulty | Gain 510 feet
• Mountain View, CA | San Francisco Bay Area
• Driving Directions: Trailhead
Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
Best known for its Earthquake Trail, the Los Trancos Open Preserve is nestled into the hills above Los Altos around 45 miles south of San Francsico. Be sure to pick up a map at the trailhead to clue you in on the subtle changes in landscape, indicating one of the most notorious and active geological faults in the world.
Starting in open surroundings with great views of the bay, San Bruno Mountain and on a clear day even Loma Prieta, the trail heads into woodland where you'll spend most of the hike. Weather is usually better here than you’ll find at the northern end of the peninsula, so although this is a worthwhile hike on its own, it's also a safe alternative hike should you get fogged in elsewhere.
Fault Trail,
Fault Line Los Trancos Fault Trail 3★2.8 mi, Loop, Easy, Gain 510 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Great views from the trailhead already!
The fault separated the fence by several feet here. | Markers identify the fault line.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
San Francisco's Best Hikes
For great Bay Area trails check out Trailspotting's Best Hikes of the San Francisco Bay.
For great Bay Area trails check out Trailspotting's Best Hikes of the San Francisco Bay.
Lake Tahoe's Best Hikes
All-year-round fun at this Northern California landmark. Trailspotting's Best Hikes of Lake Tahoe has hikes for everyone.
All-year-round fun at this Northern California landmark. Trailspotting's Best Hikes of Lake Tahoe has hikes for everyone.