San Francisco Bay Trail – Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area
San Francisco Bay Trail – Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Cycling
5.0
(39)
The San Francisco Bay Trail – Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area offers a tranquil escape along the San Francisco Bay shoreline in Mountain View, California. This 55-acre bayfront preserve, nestled between Stevens Creek and Moffett Field and adjacent to Shoreline at Mountain View Park, is a crucial segment of the expansive San Francisco Bay Trail system. Renowned as a birdwatcher's paradise, it features flat, accessible trails winding through diverse habitats of tidal flats, salt ponds, and marshes.
Visitors consistently…
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
July 9, 2020
Cycling
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Distance 5.95 km
Uphill 0 m
Downhill 10 m
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Tuesday 17 March
29°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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The trails here are characterized by a fine compacted gravel surface, making them smooth and fast for cycling, and comfortable for walking or jogging. The terrain is notably pancake-flat, offering an easy and accessible experience for all fitness levels.
Yes, this area is highly family-friendly. The flat, well-maintained gravel trails are easy for walking, strollers, and children's bikes. The abundant wildlife, especially birds, provides engaging viewing opportunities for all ages.
The area is a renowned birdwatcher's paradise, especially during spring and fall migrations. You can frequently spot black-necked stilts, mallards, snowy and great egrets, great blue herons, cormorants, and pintails. Keep an eye out for burrowing owls, American avocets, and sandpipers. Beyond birds, visitors might also see ground squirrels, jack rabbits, and various butterflies.
While the immediate area is part of a nature study preserve, dogs are generally permitted on leash on the San Francisco Bay Trail segments. However, always check local signage for specific restrictions within the more sensitive wildlife areas to ensure compliance and protect the delicate ecosystem.
The area is easily accessible from Shoreline-at-Mountain View Park. Take Highway 101 east to Shoreline Boulevard, enter Shoreline Park, and then turn right into the designated "Kite Area" parking lot. Parking is generally ample, though it can fill up on busy weekends.
The flat levee trails offer expansive views across the San Francisco Bay. On clear days, you can enjoy distant views of Moffett Field, Mount Hamilton, and the East Bay. The entire area itself, with its tidal flats, salt ponds, and marshes, serves as a natural landmark showcasing the Bay Area's unique ecosystem.
Due to its bayfront location, there is almost always wind, which can make it feel cooler than inland areas. While pleasant on warm days, it's advisable to bring layers. The area is particularly vibrant during spring and fall for migratory bird viewing. Summer can be warm, but the breeze helps, while winters are generally mild.
The nature study area is adjacent to Shoreline at Mountain View Park, which offers additional amenities. Visitors can extend their outing to include activities like exploring the park's lake, renting boats, or visiting other attractions within Shoreline Park. Mountain View also has numerous cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options a short drive away.
The trails are generally flat and wide with a compacted gravel surface, which makes them accessible for many users, including those with wheelchairs or strollers. However, it's always recommended to assess the specific conditions on the day of your visit, as gravel surfaces can vary.
The Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area, also known as Crittenden Marsh West, has a history tied to land use and ecological changes. It was once part of a larger system of salt ponds and is now a subsided basin protected by levees. The area is part of ongoing multi-agency initiatives to restore the San Francisco Bay to a more natural and resilient ecosystem, including converting retired salt evaporation ponds back to tidal marsh.
Absolutely. This area forms a crucial segment of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail system, a planned 500-mile path encircling the entire San Francisco Bay. You can easily extend your walk or ride to connect with other parks and open spaces around the Bay, offering opportunities for much longer adventures.