1.7 hr
Overview
The Hamms Gulch Trail starts in Portola Valley and climbs to Skyline Boulevard, where you can access the summit of Windy Hill and take in breathtaking views of the Bay Area. While the distance is greater than that of the Spring Ridge Trail, the climb is more enjoyable because it is not as steep and a majority of the trail is shaded by the trees of the surrounding forests. Access to the trail is via the Spring Ridge Trail and Meadow Trails from the parking area in Portola Valley, although you can access it via the Lost Trail from one of the parking lots along Skyline Boulevard. <br><br>After hiking along the Spring Ridge Trail and part of the Meadow Trail, which goes off the right at a junction, the Hamms Gulch Trail descends along a creek until you leave the preserve temporarily. The trail winds down to a small creek, which can be crossed easily by rock hop, even in the winter or early spring when there may be more water in the creek. The Eagle Trail goes off to the left from here via another creek crossing and provides access to the Razorback Ridge Trail. <br><br>The Hamms Gulch Trail continues to the right and re-enters the preserve through a small gate as your climb toward Skyline Boulevard. While not as steep of a climb as the Spring Ridge Trail, you'll be ascending for the next 2 miles. The trail follows Hamms Gulch, which sits on the right had side of the trail. Ferns sit along the left hand side of the trail while mosses cover the trees at this point. The right hand side of the trail drops into the gulch.<br><br>After climbing switchbacks at roughly 1 mile, the trail level outs along a ridge line for roughly .2 miles, proving a slight break to all the climbing. The trail climbs via a set of switchbacks at this point, where views of Windy Hill are off to the right. A bench provides the opportunity to take a break, enjoy the view, and grab a snack. As you climb, the forest takes on the characteristics of an evergreen forest. The air is cooler at the top of the trail, so make sure to have a long sleeve
Trail Stats
4.4 km
349 m
548 m
201 m
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Photos
The creek crossing is easily overcome by rock hopping.
The creek crossing is easily overcome by rock hopping.
The trail as it climbs the hillside. In the spring, it can be overgrown if there has been a lot of rain.
The trail as it climbs the hillside. In the spring, it can be overgrown if there has been a lot of rain.
The trail drops into the woods as it approaches the creek.
The trail drops into the woods as it approaches the creek.
The trail begins to descend toward the creek. It can be closed due to rain and weather damage.
The trail begins to descend toward the creek. It can be closed due to rain and weather damage.
The first intersection with the Meadow Trail drops off to the left of the trail at the path continues uphill.
The first intersection with the Meadow Trail drops off to the left of the trail at the path continues uphill.
Views of the surrounding hills on the left hand side of the trail are obstructed by trees, but you get glimpses every once in a while.
Views of the surrounding hills on the left hand side of the trail are obstructed by trees, but you get glimpses every once in a while.
Flowers can be seen in small, open areas along the trail in the spring.
Flowers can be seen in small, open areas along the trail in the spring.
Ferns line the trail on the left hand side of the trail. On the right hand side, the trail drops steeply into the gulch.
Ferns line the trail on the left hand side of the trail. On the right hand side, the trail drops steeply into the gulch.
Views of the surrounding hills.
Views of the surrounding hills.
The trail makes its way through a meadow.
The trail makes its way through a meadow.
The temperature and climate change the higher you climb. The shade provides relief from the sun, no matter what time of day.
The temperature and climate change the higher you climb. The shade provides relief from the sun, no matter what time of day.
The trail is level through this section before it starts climbing deeper into the woods.
The trail is level through this section before it starts climbing deeper into the woods.
Even on a rainy day, a hike will put a smile on your face.
Even on a rainy day, a hike will put a smile on your face.
Views of Windy Hill come into view as you climb the hill.
Views of Windy Hill come into view as you climb the hill.
Views of the bay area and hills through the trees.
Views of the bay area and hills through the trees.
Views of the Stanford Dish, Hoover Tower, and the surrounding Stanford campus from a small rock outcrop just off the trail. Even though it's obstructed, it's a nice view.
Views of the Stanford Dish, Hoover Tower, and the surrounding Stanford campus from a small rock outcrop just off the trail. Even though it's obstructed, it's a nice view.
The Hamms Gulch Trail re-enters the preserve as it begins climbing away from the creek.
The Hamms Gulch Trail re-enters the preserve as it begins climbing away from the creek.