Bay Area’s 1,400-acre “Foothills Park” Finally Open to Public After 51 Years
A gorgeous 1,400 acre park in Palo Alto that had been off limits for non-city residents finally opened to the general public last week after 51 years.
Foothills Park, a park and nature reserve in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains opened in 1965 but in 1969 a restriction limiting access to Palo Alto residents and their guests was implemented.
After a 2020 lawsuit by the ACLU, the restrictions were lifted on December 17, 2020 and the park is now open to anyone. The limit on the number of daily visitors is 750 and after 90 days the limits will be raised to 1,000 per day with no current entrance or parking fee.
Miles of trails provide access through rugged chaparral, woodlands, fields, streams, and a lake, and provide spectacular views of the Bay Area. Wildlife abounds, and it is common to see deer and coyotes; if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of a bobcat.
Dogs are not permitted anywhere in Foothills Park on weekends or city holidays. Dogs are only permitted on weekdays and must be on a leash under physical control at all times.
Read more at SF Gate, Palo Alto Online and wikipedia
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