Ravenswood Preserve

Overview

Hours

Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. As a commuter route, the section of the San Francisco Bay Trail between University Ave. and Bay Rd. is open to through traffic from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Located in the wetlands of the San Francisco Bay, the 376-acre Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is a great location for birdwatching and family adventures. A flat, easy-access pedestrian and bicycle trail runs along the levee surrounding the marsh.

The area attracts a variety of migrating birds including sandpipers, dowitchers, and avocets. Great blue herons, white pelicans, and egrets are also common. Marshland vegetation provides protected habitat for the endangered Ridgway’s rail and salt marsh harvest mouse.

A separate northern portion of the preserve is accessible from a separate entrance located off a frontage road near the Dumbarton Bridge approach. This location features a 0.7-mile easy-access trail and roadside parking.

The larger southern area of the preserve, located near Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto, was funded by the Coastal Conservancy and made possible through a joint effort between San Mateo County and the District.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: All Trails

Equestrian: Not Permitted

Dogs on Leash: Not Permitted

Easy Access: All Trails

Parking: Designated Areas

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Not Available

Kid Friendly

Download Map Trail Closures

Preserve Highlights & Features

Birdwatching at Ravenswood Preserve. Photo: Frances Freyberg

Overlook Platforms

Overlook platforms located at each end of the trail and along the boardwalk provide a great location for birdwatching or watching the tide roll away.

Stories from the Preserves

E-Bike Policy Evaluation

In June 2022, in a nearly 6-hour meeting that included staff and research data presentations, public…

Nature in November: The Pacific Flyway

Each fall brings a torrent of feathers to the Bay Area. With freezing winter weather approaching,…

Ravenswood Bay Trail Project

An easy-access paved pathway, bridge and a raised boardwalk with an overlook and interpretive signs…

Bay to Sea Trail

The Bay to Sea Trail is envisioned as an approximately 40-mile multiuse trail that will create…

Cooley Landing

Midpen worked in conjunction with the City of East Palo Alto to renovate this bayshore property.

Know Before You Go

Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife.

YIELD. Bicycles yield to hikers and equestrians. HIkers yield to equestrians.

Share the Trail

Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury.
Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .
Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians.
Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited.
Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200.

Bike Walk Public Transit Drive

Take the University Avenue exit (toward East Palo Alto) from Highway 101. (From southbound Highway 101, turn right on University Avenue. From northbound Highway 101, turn left on Donohoe Street, then turn right on University Avenue.)
Continue on University Avenue (north) for about 3 long blocks.
Turn right on Bay Road. Follow Bay Road to the very end, continuing through gate RW01 (about 1 mile total). Note: Bay Road narrows and becomes a dirt road. The Preserve parking area is on the left.

Pedestrians and bicyclists can also enter the preserve from the trailhead on University Avenue, 500 feet north of Purdue Avenue. There is no parking available at this location.

Parking

Ravenswood Parking Area: 12 spaces + 1 ADA
Cooley Landing Parking Area (City of East Palo Alto): 28 spaces + 2 ADA

Bicyclists: Bicycles are allowed on designated trails only (marked on map). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on limited improved trails in this preserve. Avoid startling hikers and equestrians by announcing your presence when approaching from behind. Please consult preserve maps for trail information. For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in this Preserve. For information on dog-friendly preserves visit the Dog Access page. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access.

Drones and Model Aircraft: Drones, model airplanes and model rockets are NOT allowed.

Equestrians: Horses are NOT allowed in this Preserve. Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For information on preserves open to horses visit the Equestrian Access page.

Groups: For safety reasons, permits are required for all groups of 20 or more people.

Fires are prohibited in preserves.
Plants & Wildlife: Please leave undisturbed. If you encounter wildlife during a visit, do not approach, startle or feed it. Although wild animals are generally fearful of humans and will run away, some wildlife can be dangerous.
Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Weapons are prohibited in preserves.

Be Prepared and Aware

Plan ahead before you leave. Check regulations and weather, download a map, pack water and first aid.
Carry water with you. Drinking water is not available at most Midpen preserves.
Know your limits and take safety precautions.
Rattlesnakes are native to this area and are especially active in warm weather.

Poison oak grows on most preserves: Learn to identify and avoid it in all seasons.
Ticks are present in this area and may carry diseases.
Mountain lions are a natural part of this region’s environment and are occasionally seen.

In Case of Emergency

If you experience an emergency (fire, accident or other immediate threat to life or property), call 911. For nonemergencies, call 650-691-1200.

History

Ravenswood Preserve takes its name from a gold rush-era town that once thrived on the shore of San Francisco Bay, near present-day East Palo Alto.

In the 1950s, the Leslie Salt Company turned the marsh into a salt production pond by surrounding it with levees to keep out the tides. Midpen purchased the property from the Leslie Salt Company in 1981 and opened Ravenswood Preserve to public access in 1989. Restoration of the marsh began in 2000, when Midpen broke open the old levees, allowing bay water to bring life back to the area.

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Ravenswood Preserve

Overview

Bay Trail