Sunnyvale Bay Trail

The Bay Trail is a hidden gem that currently encompasses the majority of the SF Bay. The existing trail is being extended and will eventually make up a 400-​mile trail completely surrounding it.
The Sunnyvale portion, while being situated next to a dump and water treatment facility, actually doesn’t smell much more than saltwater (at least not when I’ve visited). You’ll see a ton of wildlife, from numerous types of ducks to goslings to egrets. It’s surprisingly pretty.
Since it’s right at sea level, the trail is pan-​flat aside from a 4-​foot ascent to cross a footbrigde. This makes for a great, easy walk or bike ride.
Unfortunately the trail is currently not paved, but made up of loose gravel. While good for joggers, it limits cyclists to those with mountain or cyclocross bikes. Hopefully all sections of the trail will eventually be paved – I would be here every day if that were the case now.

There is nothing as exciting as impromptu discoveries. And finding out about the San Francisco Bay trail was just fantastic. A colleague from out of town visiting Sunnyvale and well versed in local trails, asked me to go for a soft hike after work and take pictures of the wild yellow flowers. She parked at the Yahoo parking lot (not sure if that is the proper location to park, but we did not have any issue) and started the trail from there. It was breezy and sunny by 6 pm and we stayed there until almost sunset. We just walked and walked (flat surface, very easy for all levels) but we had to watch for bikes all the time (too many, I guess was that hour of the day for the cyclists). Lots of birds, butterflies and that sense of being so far away from civilization yet across the street from a myriad of high tech companies. Very recommendable for walkers and runners alike.

I’m embarrassed to say that it took me 3.5 years to (re)find this place.
This trail is part of the San Francisco Bay trail, which means if you walk far out enough it’ll connect you to the Shoreline Bay Trails and Palo Alto ones. Given that I work only 5 minutes away, I feel ashamed for finding it this year. A few things to note.
The entrance listed on this trail is near the Sunnyvale Dump Site, so when you walk into the area or drive, it may smell a bit funky at first. BUT please set your fears aside because once you actually get on the trail, you won’t smell much! This is why I say I re (found) this place. I tried it once and was scared away until this year.
Now that I’ve done this nearly 6 times in the last two weeks here are a few reasons why I really enjoy it:
1.) It’s in Sunnyvale near where I live and work, and it’s a convenient escape from all the Silicon Valley rustle and bustle. The water and lands surrounding it brings you closer to Earth and wildlife.
2.) Speaking of wildlife, there are so many species of birds and especially ducks and geese that love living in the many forking trails around this area.
3.) Now that it’s spring time, the wildflowers are blooming and beautiful.
4.) Similar to #1, it’s the closest body of water in the Sunnyvale area that grounds you back into nature.
5.) There are so many trails! There is a trail with a placard saying «San Francisco Bay Trail» that leads you across a bridge towards Baylands Park or to the left and around a nice long 4-​mile loop. OR there are many more trails to the left of the placard towards a hill and over to the Shoreline Bay Trails.
6.) These trails are great not only for (short/​long) walking, but for wildlife seeing, biking, and running!
With so many routes to take, you can come back over and over again to keep exploring.