hike · tb
37.3478, -122.2305

Bay Area Ridge Trail: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Overview

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.<br><br>Bikers restricted to a short section.<br><br>This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Bay Area Ridge Trail Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16685&cat=0&page=1&utm_source=BARTsite&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BayAreaRidgeTrail">buy the book</a> from Wilderness Press.

Trail Stats

Duration
1.4 hr
Length
5.1 km
Elevation Gain
99 m
High Point
612 m
Low Point
499 m
Grade
—

Photos

The view is pretty awesome up on top. It is windy, so make sure you have warmer clothing.
The view is pretty awesome up on top. It is windy, so make sure you have warmer clothing.

The view is pretty awesome up on top. It is windy, so make sure you have warmer clothing.

Windy Hill marker at the summit.
Windy Hill marker at the summit.

Windy Hill marker at the summit.

The Anniversary Trail as it makes its way up Windy Hill.
The Anniversary Trail as it makes its way up Windy Hill.

The Anniversary Trail as it makes its way up Windy Hill.

The Anniversary Trail as it hugs the hills.
The Anniversary Trail as it hugs the hills.

The Anniversary Trail as it hugs the hills.

Bob's Bench is a nice place to rest and enjoy the view.
Bob's Bench is a nice place to rest and enjoy the view.

Bob's Bench is a nice place to rest and enjoy the view.

Flowers bloom in the tall grass as the trail makes its way to the Anniversary Trail.
Flowers bloom in the tall grass as the trail makes its way to the Anniversary Trail.

Flowers bloom in the tall grass as the trail makes its way to the Anniversary Trail.

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.
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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

Views of a couple resting on a bench on one of the hills at the top of the preserve.
Views of a couple resting on a bench on one of the hills at the top of the preserve.

Views of a couple resting on a bench on one of the hills at the top of the preserve.

Stanford Dish area and the San Francisco Bay beyond on a hazy day from the summit of Windy Hill.
Stanford Dish area and the San Francisco Bay beyond on a hazy day from the summit of Windy Hill.

Stanford Dish area and the San Francisco Bay beyond on a hazy day from the summit of Windy Hill.

The Anniversary Trail makes its way up Windy Hill.
The Anniversary Trail makes its way up Windy Hill.

The Anniversary Trail makes its way up Windy Hill.

Tags

Singletrack