1.7 hr
Overview
The Stanford Dish Loop Trail is a popular, paved trail that hikers and runners use for recreational purposes. The trail follows rises and falls along the hills above Stanford University, where various research and academics projects are happening.<br><br>There are several gates that provide access to the Stanford Dish area. The Piers Gate is located off Alpine Road and has a small parking area. The Gerona, Frenchman's and Stanford Gates are all located off Junipero Serra Blvd. There is limited parking along Stanford Ave, although you can park at Nixon Elementary on the weekend.<br><br>The trail begins to climb for roughly .9 miles from Junipero Serra Blvd. Around .25 miles, the trail moves through a shaded area, the only real shade along the trail. As the trail climbs the hill, views of Stanford University, Hoover Tower, and the rest of the South Bay come into view on the left hand side of the trail. At the top of the hill, the trail turns to the right and climbs less steeply as it passes some antennas used by the university of research. As it turns to the right, the trail begins a gradual descent past one satellite dish before quickly climbing a hill and arriving at the Stanford Dish, which was built in the 1960s and is still used for research purposes today. <br><br>On the left, the Stanford Dish: Ranch Road via Piers Gate Trail descends to Alpine Road. The trail levels off at this point as it winds it way along the hill top. Views of the surrounding hills, the San Mateo Bridge, Stanford, East Bay, South Bay and if it is clear San Francisco, are offered along this part of the trail. It's the most level part of the trail before it begins to descend around 1.8 miles. Dropping 200 feet in about .8 miles, the trail winds downhill until it levels off as you approach a junction. Straight ahead, the trail goes to the Gerona Gate. The loop trail goes off to the right and begins to climb a hill before it starts descending again. On the left side of the trail, there is a small, paved side trail that
Trail Stats
5.8 km
137 m
157 m
57 m
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Photos
Squirrels can be seen feeding on grass along the trail.
Squirrels can be seen feeding on grass along the trail.
The Stanford Dish.
The Stanford Dish.
The Stanford Dish stays in view during the majority of this section of the trail. The Dish is still functional, so depending on what is going on, it may be pointed in different directions on different days.
The Stanford Dish stays in view during the majority of this section of the trail. The Dish is still functional, so depending on what is going on, it may be pointed in different directions on different days.
Different views of the campus along the trail.
Different views of the campus along the trail.
The Stanford Campus and Hoover Tower spread out on the lefthand side of the trail. The 285 foot tower was completed in 1941.
The Stanford Campus and Hoover Tower spread out on the lefthand side of the trail. The 285 foot tower was completed in 1941.
A view looking across to the East Bay.
A view looking across to the East Bay.
The Dish from the trail.
The Dish from the trail.
The sun breaks through the clouds on a stormy afternoon. The surrounding hillsides make it easy to forget you are in the middle of Silicon Valley.
The sun breaks through the clouds on a stormy afternoon. The surrounding hillsides make it easy to forget you are in the middle of Silicon Valley.
Antennas line the ridge here and the Stanford Dish is seen off in the distance on the right-hand side. Walkers and runners are asked to stay on the trail and not wander in the fields, which are in the process of being restored.
Antennas line the ridge here and the Stanford Dish is seen off in the distance on the right-hand side. Walkers and runners are asked to stay on the trail and not wander in the fields, which are in the process of being restored.
A smaller dish sits off the trail before you reach the Stanford Dish.
A smaller dish sits off the trail before you reach the Stanford Dish.
A tarantula along the trail.
A tarantula along the trail.
The Stanford Dish as you head by.
The Stanford Dish as you head by.
Looking off to the west, I-280 runs north to San Francisco.
Looking off to the west, I-280 runs north to San Francisco.
The trail descends and Hoover Tower comes into view again.
The trail descends and Hoover Tower comes into view again.
The Stanford Dish as the sun begins to set. The trail climbs up to the Dish after dropping into a gully.
The Stanford Dish as the sun begins to set. The trail climbs up to the Dish after dropping into a gully.
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.
The trail continue to climb along the hillside until it turns to the right (seen in the distance here). From the turn, the trail climbs more gently.
The trail continue to climb along the hillside until it turns to the right (seen in the distance here). From the turn, the trail climbs more gently.
Looking back up the trail. You'll notice new trees planted on the right that will one day provide shade for walkers and runners.
Looking back up the trail. You'll notice new trees planted on the right that will one day provide shade for walkers and runners.
The trail begins to climb again at the Genora Gate junction.
The trail begins to climb again at the Genora Gate junction.
Large trees like this one can be found along the trail.
Large trees like this one can be found along the trail.
Flowers bloom off the side of the trail.
Flowers bloom off the side of the trail.
New trees being planted that will one day grow to provide shade for the area.
New trees being planted that will one day grow to provide shade for the area.
People enjoy the Stanford Dish Loop Trail on a sunny spring day.
People enjoy the Stanford Dish Loop Trail on a sunny spring day.
The dish seen from the trail loop
The dish seen from the trail loop
View of the Hoover Tower
View of the Hoover Tower
The trail rolls along the hills above Stanford. This shot shows that no matter which way you take this trail, there is climbing and descending involved.
The trail rolls along the hills above Stanford. This shot shows that no matter which way you take this trail, there is climbing and descending involved.