Creek Trail – Hostel Trail loop from Foothills Open Space Preserve
Creek Trail – Hostel Trail loop from Foothills Open Space Preserve
4.9
(2036)
17,489
hikers
Creek Trail – Hostel Trail loop from Foothills Open Space Preserve
01:53
6.17km
220m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: June 8, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
58 m
Los Altos Hidden Villa Farm and Wolken Education Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
1.27 km
Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
2.96 km
Creek Trail
Highlight • Trail
5.50 km
Hostel Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
6.17 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.51 km
302 m
207 m
144 m
Surfaces
5.20 km
481 m
302 m
183 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Sunday 21 June
24°C
9°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a rewarding, relatively quick hike with diverse scenery and great views, the Creek Trail – Hostel Trail loop from Foothills Open Space Preserve is an excellent choice. This easy 3.8-mile (6.2 km) hiking route packs in 711 feet (217 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. It's a perfect pick for a morning or afternoon outing when you want a good workout without committing to an all-day adventure, offering a high-payoff experience for its moderate effort.
What to expect on Creek Trail – Hostel Trail loop from Foothills Open Space Preserve
The route offers a delightful journey through varied terrain. You'll start on the shaded Creek Trail, following Adobe Creek where mossy tree trunks and fern-covered hillsides create a serene atmosphere, especially during wetter months. The trail then transitions to the Hostel Trail, climbing the side of Elephant Mountain through oak, bay, and buckeye trees, providing ample shade. As you gain elevation, the environment opens up to sunnier chaparral, rewarding your effort with expansive views to the north, stretching across the San Francisco Bay and communities like Palo Alto and Los Altos. The elevation changes are moderate, making it suitable for most fitness levels, though the climb on Hostel Trail will get your heart pumping.
Planning your visit
The Foothills Open Space Preserve is a popular destination, so arriving early is always a good idea, especially on weekends, to secure parking. The trails are generally well-maintained packed dirt paths. While the lower sections along the creek are shaded, the upper parts of the Hostel Trail can be exposed, so bring water and sun protection, particularly on warmer days. The area is particularly scenic when the creeks are flowing during the rainy season, offering a different perspective on the natural features. Towards the end of the loop, you'll find benches and picnic tables near Adobe Creek, providing a pleasant spot to rest.
Trail details
- Distance: 3.8 miles (6.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 711 feet (217 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 52 minutes
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