by Arnold Ambiel
It’s fall. Some people are ready to roll, but we hope even more are ready to stroll!
Fall is a perfect time to walk in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Cooler days bring out bold fall colors making walking to many local events attractive. Unlike bicycling, most walking activities can start right out our front doors and enjoyed by anyone from 8 to 80.
Wherever you live, you can walk to one of our community’s seven shopping districts, local parks and schools to enjoy the outdoor beauty. If you’re a new resident, the City’s Bike Map is a useful resource which includes secret passageways that join many of our neighborhoods and make great fodder for a tricky treasure hunt!
Have you noticed political candidates walking in your neighborhood? With election season in full swing, such precinct walks highlight the best way to get to know your neighbors and build community: walking! Make sure to ask the candidates how they’ll support our local environment, if elected. Additionally, our neighborhood schools are an easy walk for most residents. And this year is a special year for walking to school – the 20th anniversary of Walk to School Day – so make sure you walk with your child on October 5th!
We asked Wes Brinsfield, BPAC Chairperson his take. “While the physical and mental health benefits of walking are well documented, what I really enjoy about walking in the Los Altos area is the sense of community that I feel. It’s so easy to meet and talk with people – friends and strangers alike – while walking through our Los Altos neighborhoods. Our city is mostly flat, mostly warm and sunny during the days, and there are lots of things to see and do within 1 to 2 miles of almost any starting point within the city limits”.
Join the fun! Events to walk by:
Oct 1 – Bay Day Walk
Oct 1/2 – Los Altos Fall Festival – Walk/Bike to Downtown
Oct 5 – 20th Annual Walk to School Day
Oct 7 – First Friday
Oct 15 – Walkathons – Many of our local elementary schools hold their walkathon fundraisers on October 15. There are a lot of tired feet in our towns that night.
Oct 21 – Homecoming Parade – Los Altos High School
Oct 31 – Halloween (watch for all the walkers that night!)
Resources for where to walk
City of Los Altos Bicycle Map (includes all of the secrets passages between neighborhoods)
Los Altos Hills Pathways Map (purchase at LAH City Hall)
City of Los Altos Pedestrian Master Plan – with suggested routes to school
Bay Trail Map
Mid Peninsula Open Space Maps
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