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

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 Francisco. 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.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

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

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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