33 min
Overview
Ranch Road starts at the gate into the Stanford Dish area. Once through the gate, the trail gently curves around through a shaded area until the trail begins to climb. The trail climbs a small hill and the Stanford Dish comes into view at the top of the trail. It levels out for a while as it passes a cattle guard, used to keep the cattle that graze in the area from escaping. From here, the trail climbs gently toward the Dish.<br><br>Take the opportunity to turn around and take in the view of the surrounding hills and the interstate as it makes its way north. Leveling out, the trail approaches the Stanford Dish and a maintenance building. The Dish is used for research, so you may get lucky and witness them repositioning the Dish as you hike by. <br><br>From here, the trail wraps around the Dish and makes a sharp left as it approaches the next cattle guard and the Stanford Dish Loop Trail. Views of the Stanford campus and the South Bay area lay before you, a reward for all the climbing that the trail has done.
Trail Stats
1.6 km
84 m
141 m
57 m
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Photos
A snake suns itself along the trail, causing walkers to give it a wide berth, but otherwise, leaving people alone.
A snake suns itself along the trail, causing walkers to give it a wide berth, but otherwise, leaving people alone.
Tarantula on the trail. In the winter, they can be found on and beside the trail, so watch where you step.
Tarantula on the trail. In the winter, they can be found on and beside the trail, so watch where you step.
The Stanford Dish sits at the top of the climb. The trail gently climbs to the dish, making it a relatively easy trail, despite the uphill.
The Stanford Dish sits at the top of the climb. The trail gently climbs to the dish, making it a relatively easy trail, despite the uphill.
The trail as it descends towards Alpine Road and Interstate 280. Clouds roll along the hills, making for a great view.
The trail as it descends towards Alpine Road and Interstate 280. Clouds roll along the hills, making for a great view.
Cows feed in the fields surrounding the Stanford Dish. Occasionally, they use the trail to get from one point to another.
Cows feed in the fields surrounding the Stanford Dish. Occasionally, they use the trail to get from one point to another.
Squirrel feeding on grass seeds along the trail.
Squirrel feeding on grass seeds along the trail.
A tarantula along the trail.
A tarantula along the trail.
The Stanford Dish as you head by.
The Stanford Dish as you head by.
The Stanford Dish.
The Stanford Dish.
Squirrels burrow in the ground off to the sides of the trail. You'll see them feeding on grass seeds and hear them as they chirp warnings to each other.
Squirrels burrow in the ground off to the sides of the trail. You'll see them feeding on grass seeds and hear them as they chirp warnings to each other.
The Dish is still operational today. This picture was taken before it was repositioned that day.
The Dish is still operational today. This picture was taken before it was repositioned that day.
View from the trail of the surrounding hills as fog rolls in late in the day.
View from the trail of the surrounding hills as fog rolls in late in the day.
People enjoy the Stanford Dish Loop Trail on a sunny spring day.
People enjoy the Stanford Dish Loop Trail on a sunny spring day.
A woodpecker sits on a branch alongside the trail. You can hear them, and catch glimpses of them, as you climb through the lower part of the trail which is more wooded due to its proximity to the creek.
A woodpecker sits on a branch alongside the trail. You can hear them, and catch glimpses of them, as you climb through the lower part of the trail which is more wooded due to its proximity to the creek.
The Stanford Dish and moon at sunset.
The Stanford Dish and moon at sunset.