This week’s walk features shorter and longer options of approximately one and two miles each (see the attached map, which shows the longer version).  It comprises a circle starting near El Palo Alto (the famous redwood tree) and includes walking on both sides of San Francisco Creek and enjoying two completely different-appearing residential neighborhoods.  We will meet at the north end of the pedestrian bridge over the creek which connects Alma Street between Palo Alto and Menlo Park.  As bicycles use this bridge and are not always pedestrian-friendly, we will meet at the small garden on the north (Menlo Park) side of the bridge.  Park either at the southern Alma St. termination in Menlo Park (GPS 120 E Creek Drive, Menlo Park) or along Palo Alto Ave. (GPS 117 Palo Alto Ave., Palo Alto) where it intersects Alma St.  Ample parking at both locations.  

We’ll start with a short discussion of the geology of our walk, and then proceed within Menlo Park, enjoying a lovely 1960s (?) neighborhood along East Creek Drive.  A short stretch along Willow Rd. leads to Willow Pl. and our second pedestrian bridge, which crosses to Palo Alto. The abbreviated route along the creek on Palo Alto Ave. brings us back to the Alma St. pedestrian bridge.  Those wishing to continue the longer route will proceed in the opposite direction along Palo Alto Ave, turning one block shy of Middlefield Rd, and wending our way back to El Palo Alto through a considerably older neighborhood (earliest residences ca. 1900) along various streets to our starting point.

Much of the walk is in shade but we still suggest hat and water.

Village Walkers, a Village Members only group, take turns leading walks in local neighborhoods or areas of interest. A longer and shorter walk are usually planned for the route to accommodate differing needs. Contact Ralph Cahn via call or text at (650) 245-0280 to be added to the Walkers email list, to receive descriptions and directions for each week's walk.