A Walk to Walk to
The Eaton-Big Canyon Trail
"Take to the woods on windy days. It's quieter there." -John Kieran
Directions: Park at the western end of Eaton Avenue or in the 3100 block
of Brittan Avenue.
Grade: Moderate with a maximum elevation gain of 600 feet.
Distance: Eaton
Trail, 2.2 miles round trip; Big Canyon Trail, one mile for the loop.
Time: 1 1/2 hours, or as much time as you have.
Special Conditions:
o Watch for poison oak at trailside.
o No rest rooms or drinking water.
o To enjoy your visit to Eaton-Big Canyon Trail fully, pick up a copy of the map and nature guide prepared by the local Sierra Club. Cartographer Harold Drake has produced an excellent trail map, and the nature guide locates five tree types, 19 shrubs and vines, five ferns, 61 small plants, and topographical features at tenth-mile intervals.
o You may pick up your free copy of this guide at City Hall, 666 Elm St., or call 650-593-8011.
John Kieran could well have been describing one of the many moods of the Eaton-Big Canyon Trail--a prime example of how urban growth and open space can exist harmoniously for the enjoyment of all.
As an ardent hiker and casual observer of nature, I've found the trail to be a great place to get away for an hour or two, exercise my legs, breathe deeply while climbing the switchbacks, enjoy the cool wooded canyons, check out the seasonal streams, examine the wildflowers, view the blooming horse chestnut trees against the contrasting green hillside, look for deer grazing on the opposite hillside, catch the odor of skunk while wondering where the little critter may be hiding, and contemplate what mammal produced that strange track or trailside dropping.
But to the careful observer of nature, this trail offers a wonderful opportunity for study. According to the March 1994 issue of the Eaton-Big Canyon Trail Map with Trail Notes and Nature Guide. prepared by the San Carlos-Belmont Regional Group, Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club, the careful and frequent observer may identify 21 birds in the area from the tiny Anna's hummingbird to the soaring turkey vulture. Eight mammals and four reptiles (three types of snakes and the Western fence lizard) frequent the area. There are five tree types, 19 shrubs and vines, five ferns, and 61 plants, most of which bloom in the spring with beautiful shades of white, red, blue, and yellow. This is not one of your spectacular wildflower walks, but if you slow down and look closely, you will find enough interest and beauty to keep you and your "plant finder" busy for hours.
The Eaton-Big Canyon Trail provides a unique and satisfying hiking experience because of the dedication, hard work, and continued interest of a relatively few advocates. This trail was not built during the WPA days with federal funding as were many trails in the high Sierras. It is not part of the State Parks program and is not maintained with CCC assistance. It is largely a product of the local Sierra Club and several Eagle Scouts with the support and participation of the San Carlos Parks and Recreation Department. The Sierra Club started an early version of the Eaton Trail in 1973 and finished it in 1984. Since then, they have sponsored work parties to clear and maintain the trail, built bridges, and kept the trail system user-friendly.
Your hike can start from two locations--the western end of Eaton Avenue or the 3100 block of Brittan Avenue. Beginning at the end of Eaton Avenue, the trail winds through a ravine, across a seasonal stream, and then switch-backs up a grassy slope while gaining 280 feet to a ridge top saddle and sweeping views to Mt. Diablo, Mission Peak, and Mt. Hamilton. From the saddle, an old jeep road provides access to Loma Road to the left and to the right a grassy knoll perfect for enjoying a view with a picnic. The next 8/10ths of a mile winds through shady canyons, over seasonal streams (dry except during rainstorms), and across grassy slopes with well-graded switchbacks, easing you through the elevation changes. Near the end of Eaton Trail as it approaches Brittan is a steep drop down big steps made of railroad ties. As you pass between the houses on either side of the easement, remember to walk quietly so as not to disturb our neighbors.
If you park on Brittan Avenue adjacent to Big Canyon Park, you can take either trail. The Big Canyon Park Trail leads into a secluded canyon. Just ahead is a dry stream that drains the upper slopes during winter rains. A catch basin and culvert system carries the runoff under city streets to the Bay. To the left is a footbridge and an arrow that points the way. Climb to the trail junction, and take your choice--continue the loop or hike to the grassy knoll, continue uphill to the water tank and exit to Crestview Drive. As you continue the loop, the trail enters a steep wooded area, crosses a bridge, switches back to the high point of the trail (240 feet above Brittan Avenue) and another bench for resting and viewing. The trail switch-backs down, crosses another bridge, traverses the grassy slope of the east side of Big Canyon, then more switchbacks, and back to the service road. Retrace your steps to Brittan Avenue or on to Eaton Avenue.
Written by Tom Davids