Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Attractions and Places To See in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, a 1,414-acre expanse, include its distinctive, breezy, grass-covered hilltop. The preserve features open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak, providing a diverse natural landscape. It offers panoramic views across the San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley, and the Pacific Ocean. This protected open space is a result of community efforts to preserve its natural features.
Best attractions and places to see in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
- The most popular attractions is Portola Valley, a settlement known for its high rate of horse ownership and scenic routes. Visitors can find water and restrooms at the Portola Valley Library.
- Another must-see spot is Windy Hill Summit, a summit offering 360-degree panoramic views. Located at 1,905 feet, it provides views of Silicon Valley, the Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean.
- Visitors also love Spring Ridge Trail (Windy Hill), an easy hike which leads mostly through open space. This trail offers views and is covered in green after rainy periods.
- Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is known for its summits, trails, viewpoints, and settlements. The preserve features diverse environments, including oak woodlands, chaparral, grassy meadows, and redwood forests.
- The attractions in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve are appreciated by the komoot community. With over 100 upvotes and 4 photos shared, these spots are recognized for their appeal.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Portola Valley
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Windy Hill Summit
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Spring Ridge Trail (Windy Hill)
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The Stanford Loop
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Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Scenic View
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Popular around Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Bay Area Ridge Trail β Hiking the backbone of The Bay
Hiking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Road Cycling Routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
MTB Trails in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Cycling in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Running Trails in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Gravel biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Other adventures in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
The hike from Razorback Ridge trailhead to the Windyhill summit is mostly through shaded sections. Sections of it kept cool from the fog rolling in from the Santa Cruz Mountains. The final section, Anniversary Trail is out in the open but has nice views of the bay.
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Windy Hill Summit, located at an elevation of 1,905 feet within the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, offers great views of Silicon Valley and the Peninsula. The preserve stretches 1,132 acres along the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, coming up from the valley road near Portola Valley to this scenic summit. Itβs a great spot to watch the sunset and take in views.
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Windy Hill Open Space Preserve encompasses a little over 1,100 acres of barren land with a few spotty forest areas. The majority of the Peninsula Range (the mountain range in which the park is encompassed) is completely covered in trees, but the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve has a bunch of open meadows and bald hills with expansive views.
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We went there in April when the rainy days were over and everything was covered in green. Spring Ridge Trail is an easy hike which leads mostly through open space.
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You can fill up your water and go to the bathroom at Portola Valley Library.
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The ride takes you through the (very) well-to-do town of Portola Valley, which usually ranks as one of the top 10 in the US in terms of average household income. You may have heard that Portola Valley has a higher population of horses than of people. While that seems to have been true only in much earlier years, this is still a town with a very high rate of horse ownership and, just like in the neighboring Woodside, you shouldn't be surprised if you encounter residents heading to the corner store on horseback.
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The ride involves no serious climbs. There is a gentle elevation gain as you head away from the bay and a corresponding mild descent as you head back, but this is barely noticeable. You do need to put in some moderate effort as you get closer to I-280 on Sand Hill Road earlier on the ride, but the only two stretches that really feel like a climb arrive shortly after the first crossing of I-280. Only one of these uphill segments exceeds a grade of 6% and neither of them are sustained for very long.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and viewpoints can I explore in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers diverse natural landscapes. You can visit Windy Hill Summit, which provides spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley, and the Pacific Ocean from its 1,905-foot elevation. The preserve also features open grassland ridges, oak woodlands, chaparral, and forests of redwood, fir, and Douglas-fir. Sausal Pond is another notable natural feature, known for its wildlife and spring wildflowers.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for everyone in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Spring Ridge Trail (Windy Hill) is an easy hike that leads mostly through open space, offering great views, especially when green after rainy periods. The Sausal Pond Loop is another 1.6-mile easy trail that passes through oak woodlands and grassy meadows. For more options, you can explore easy hikes like the Alpine Road, Sweet Springs, and Deer Path Loop, or shorter Windy Hill Summit loops, which are detailed in the Easy hikes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve guide.
What kind of wildlife can be seen in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
The preserve's diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife. At Sausal Pond, you might spot egrets, blue herons, wood ducks, dragonflies, or even the California western pond turtle. The area is also a favorite spot for birdwatchers due to its varied birdlife across oak woodlands, chaparral, grassy meadows, and redwood forests.
When is the best time to visit Windy Hill Open Space Preserve for wildflowers or views?
Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the preserve's meadows and trails are adorned with vibrant wildflowers. After rainy periods, the landscape, particularly along trails like Spring Ridge Trail (Windy Hill), is covered in lush green. For panoramic views, clear days offer expansive vistas across the San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley, and the Pacific Ocean from Windy Hill Summit.
Is Windy Hill Open Space Preserve family-friendly?
Yes, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is considered family-friendly. Trails like the Spring Ridge Trail (Windy Hill) are easy and suitable for families. The diverse natural environment, including Sausal Pond with its wildlife, offers engaging experiences for all ages. Many trails are suitable for various skill levels, making it accessible for families to enjoy nature together.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which manages Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, generally allows dogs on designated trails. It's always best to check the official preserve website for the most current regulations regarding leash requirements and specific trail access for dogs to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
Can I go cycling in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers opportunities for cycling. The preserve has over 12 miles of trails, catering to mountain bikers. For road cycling, you can explore routes like The Stanford Loop, which involves gentle elevation gains. You can find more detailed road cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve guide, including options like the Old La Honda Road loops.
Are there opportunities for gravel biking in the area?
Absolutely. The region around Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is popular for gravel biking. Routes like the Old La Honda Road β West Old La Honda Road loop or the Black Mountain β Arastradero Lake loop offer challenging gravel experiences. For more information and route details, refer to the Gravel biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve guide.
Where can I find parking at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve has two main parking areas located on Skyline Boulevard. The Anniversary Trail connects these two parking spots, providing convenient access to the preserve's trail system and viewpoints.
Are there facilities like restrooms or water available near the attractions?
Yes, facilities are available. In the nearby settlement of Portola Valley, visitors can find water and use restrooms at the Portola Valley Library. It's a convenient stop before or after exploring the preserve.
What do visitors enjoy most about Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Visitors highly appreciate the expansive views, especially from Windy Hill Summit, which offers 360-degree panoramas. The diverse trails, ranging from easy open spaces like Spring Ridge Trail (Windy Hill) to more challenging routes through shaded sections, are also a major draw. The preserve's natural beauty, particularly the green landscapes after rain and the vibrant wildflowers in spring, is frequently highlighted by the komoot community.
Are there any unique activities like paragliding at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, Windy Hill is a notable site for paragliding and hang gliding, particularly popular during winter months when east winds are favorable. This activity requires excellent pilot judgment and skills due to the specific conditions.
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