Near Bay Area Ridge Trail: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
The Anniversary Trail makes its way up Windy Hill.
Near Bay Area Ridge Trail: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Stanford Dish area and the San Francisco Bay beyond on a hazy day from the summit of Windy Hill.
Near Bay Area Ridge Trail: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Views of a couple resting on a bench on one of the hills at the top of the preserve.
Near Bay Area Ridge Trail: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Views the surrounding hills spread out before you. Fog can roll over the hills in the evening causing it to be much cooler than where you started.
Near Bay Area Ridge Trail: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Skyline Boulevard runs just outside the preserve. If you don't want to climb to the top, you can drive to the parking lots on either side of the hill.

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Hike Trail

Bay Area Ridge Trail: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

4.0 (2 Ratings)
Trekking the Windy Hill ridgeline.
3.3
mi
Distance
312
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Views

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Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.34mi
Distance
312ft
Elevation Gain
515ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
2,022ft
High Point
1,639ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Follow the Windy Hill ridgeline through a sheltered forest and across rolling grasslands on a narrow footpath and broad wagon road. Enjoy sweeping views of the San Mateo Coast and Santa Clara Valley. True to its name, strong winds are possible in this preserve, as is coastal fog. Since this is a relatively short trip, hikers and equestrians may want to do the 6.6- or 6.2-mile round-trip. Bicycles are only allowed on a short 0.5-mile section. Bikers restricted to a short section. This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Bay Area !Ridge Trail Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more buy the book from Wilderness Press.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Bay Area Ridge Trail Staff