Eaton Park

Nature’s stair-​climber machine; is the most accurate description I could think of for the entire park as I experienced it today. During my first visit, I think I may have covered most of the trails. It’s not a big park, but it’s mighty. Expect some buns of steel if you frequent here often and push yourself up and down those steep inclines!
You can see most of the Bay area from the hilltop views, and feel like you’re in the shade most of the other parts of the trails from a well-​groomed but thick brush. There is easy access from either Eaton, Brittain or Loma Road, take your pick. If you start from Loma, you will more than likely being going down hill from there. I would NOT go here, if you or your trail buddy are looking for a leisurely walk. This is a challenging trail! Like I mentioned… short in distance but challenging!
Happy trails…

Don’t’ want to travel too far, but need a quick escape from civilization? …maybe just to breathe in the smell of earth, grass, loam, bay trees, or just get a bit of fresh air? Eaton Park might be your über-​local solution.
Eaton is a very small but surprisingly nice park, consisting of a few wooded hills tucked into a San Carlos suburban neighborhood. On my first visit here I was quite impressed. It’s much better maintained than water dog park, which… let’s face it… is a bit scrappy.
Lots of reviewers complain of poison oak at Eaton, but I saw only a little bit. Water Dog, Big Canyon and Edgewood Park have more, being more exposed. Besides; there’s a simple solution: stay on the trail, people!
It’s a smallish park, to be sure; less than a mile across, but there are enough meandering trails to make a decent 2-​mile hike. There’s a surprisingly nice variety here too: shady mini-​canyons, grassy meadows, open vistas, bay with pine, or mixed oak. (No redwoods to speak of, but this is the foothills, after all.) There are are also a generous quantity of California buckeye (a beautiful tree).
And weirdly — so much nicer than the suburban park across the street, Big Canyon. But that’s another review (
The most surprising thing for me, though, was the great selection of views from the top of the ridge within the park. Depending on where I stood, I could see down the peninsula, or the port of RWC, or downtown San Carlos, or even San Francisco in the distance.
There are four entrances to the park, but the main entrance is on Brittan Ave., about 1.75 miles west of downtown San Carlos. Several reviewers have complained that it’s hard to find, but I had no trouble. Just park at the main entrance of Big Canyon Park (on Brittan), and then walk across the street. There’s multiple signs and an obvious trail leading uphill.
Hiking Spot Checklist:
– Parking: Street-​side only
– Bathrooms: No
– Potable water: No
– Maps provided: No
– Highlights: Nice for a suburban park; views at the very top

This is a nice hiking trail to do on weekends where you can bring your dog. There are two trails: Brittain and Eaton, both are which are off the beaten path. Brittain entrance is wedged between two houses across from Big Canyon, and Eaton is all the way up a street with a small entrance. Elevations are sporadic with many ups and downs but when you get to the top, you can see a beautiful view of the bay if it’s clear enough. The trail is a few miles round trip.

Tiny park with an amazing view. It’s closer to home than Edgewood, but not nearly as nice so I don’t come here often.
Coming up from the Eaton Ave entrance, if you take the left fork in the trail you end up on a ‘trail’ that goes straight up the hill with no switchbacks. Great for an intense workout with an awesome view the entire way up, but probably somewhat dangerous if it’s rained recently.

Who rates this park less than 5 stars? Um, spiders are awesome and I haven’t seen much poison oak as of late. This park is a treasure as it’s tucked into my neighborhood, maintained entirely by volunteers (I think), and connects to Big Canyon. There are trails all over the place and the views at the top are gorgeous. Yes, the trails are a bit narrow in places, but if my klutzy self with two dogs in tow hasn’t fallen yet (knock on wood), you’ll be fine.
Compared to Edgewood, this is like my own private trail system.

there is nothing wrong with the place, but like others have said, there are better options in the area. it’s hard to find because the trail starts between 2 houses in a residential neighborhood with only a small sign marking the entrance (see pics). it’s definitely not family friendly — steep steps, all sorts of ledges to fall off of, slippery, and apparently spiders and poison oak. you can walk the entire trail in 45 min or so at a very casual pace. i would go if i lived within walking distance, but otherwise edgewood park is better.

Can anybody identify the species of tarantulas I found here? I came across two within seconds of one another. They were about palm sized, black, with silver tipped toes. (Refer to uploaded photo.) I am entertaining the idea that they may not be native and were introduced as loose pets.
Not a recommended trail for those with arachnophobia. Do mind the abundance of poison oak as pointed out by one reviewer. Be weary if your shoes lack traction as the declines/​inclines are topped with loose gravel.

A short hike but beautiful views from atop overlooking the peninsula and even across the water to the east bay. I’ll be back in the summer with a tank top on to work on that golden tan of mine… or rosey burn.

Very very small area and TONS of poison oak. I cannot put enough emphasis on the amount of poison oak. Edgewood Park is so close and so much better.

Beautiful scenic park with entrances on Eaton, Britain, and LaLoma. Not a huge hike, but awesome place to dog walk, BMX, or have a brief (2 – 3 mile) hike.
Crazy gorgeous panoramic views from the top of this trail– to the left Oracle, SFO, San Francisco; to the right, Woodside, Menlo Park, San Jose. To the front– San Carlos, Belmond, Redwood City, to the back, San Carlos, Woodside, 280!