Things to Do around Windyhill

Windyhill is a destination for outdoor activities such as road cycling and jogging. The preserve offers a variety of routes and trails suitable for different skill levels. More than 200 visitors have shared their experiences on komoot, with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars.

Windyhill is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains within San Mateo County, California. It is easily accessible from Skyline Boulevard (State Route 35), which runs along the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Windyhill offers a variety of road cycling routes, ranging from easy to challenging. Popular options include loops with significant elevation gains, such as the 'Old La Honda Road – Manzanita Way loop.' This route can involve an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet (640 meters) over 20 miles (32.4 kilometers). For more options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Windyhill guide.

Yes, Windyhill features challenging road bike trails. The Spring Ridge Trail, for example, is open to bikes and offers a demanding climb with some sections exceeding an 18% grade. Cyclists are required to wear helmets and observe a 15 mph speed limit, reducing to 5 mph when passing others.

Windyhill provides approximately 14 miles (22 kilometers) of multi-use trails suitable for jogging and running. The Windy Hill Loop is a 7.2-mile (11.6-kilometer) path that traverses various habitats and passes Sausal Pond. The Anniversary Trail is a shorter 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) option offering panoramic views. Find more details in the Running Trails around Windyhill guide.

Windyhill features a diverse landscape including open grassland ridges, dense oak woodlands, and forests of redwood, fir, and oak. The preserve also includes Sausal Pond, which is home to various wildlife such as egrets, blue herons, wood ducks, and western pond turtles.

From the 1,905-foot (581-meter) summit of Windy Hill, panoramic 360-degree views are available on clear days. These views extend across the San Francisco Bay, Stanford University, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo, and the Pacific Ocean.

Windyhill's diverse ecosystems support various wildlife. Common sightings include California mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species. Sausal Pond is a notable spot for observing egrets, blue herons, wood ducks, dragonflies, and the western pond turtle.

Yes, komoot offers guides to help plan activities in Windyhill. Available guides include Road Cycling Routes around Windyhill and Running Trails around Windyhill. These guides provide detailed information on routes and trails in the region.

Windyhill Open Space Preserve spans 1,414 acres. Its elevation varies by over 1,000 feet, contributing to a mosaic of ecological areas from open grasslands to dense forests.

Windyhill Open Space Preserve is managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. For more information, their official website is www.openspace.org, and they can be reached by phone at 650-691-1200.