The best MTB trails in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)

Make sure White Oak trail is open before you go.

Alise’s Restaurant is a popular spot for both cyclists and motorcyclists. The food is good, the staff is known for being friendly, and the place has a laid-back, welcoming vibe—perfect for a post-ride meal or coffee break.

The Stanford Dish Trail parking area off Alpine Road (near Piers Lane and just west of Junipero Serra Boulevard) serves as a quieter but still well-used western entrance to the Dish hiking area. This access point offers a small parking lot and connects directly to the Dish loop’s rolling, paved trails. From here, you’ll begin with a gentle incline through open hillsides, quickly gaining elevation and views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s a scenic entry with fewer crowds than the main Stanford Avenue gate. Like the rest of the Dish area, it’s open only to walkers, runners, and hikers—no dogs, no bikes. Come prepared for sun exposure and some steep grades.

This mostly paved bike trail alongside Alpine Road is great for bike commuting — just don't run over any slower trail users! The trail runs all the way from Portola Valley to Stanford, offering some nice shade along the way. The brief moments of unpaved trail are near the Portola Valley end.

Borel Hill is my favorite place to watch spring flowers. The western slope near ancient oaks (5-10min west of Borel Hill) are covered with orange California Poppies and purple flowers starting in April. Borel Hill itself peaks around mid May and has a wide variety of flowers. The show lasts only a few weeks until end of May. The peak time and flower intensity varies from year to year, so come several times between April and May. There is small summit NW of Borel Hill and a narrow dirt trail leads you to a rock within 2 min. The rock is big enough for 2-3 to sit on. On a sunny day, the rock is nice warm even if the air is cold. Good views on the ocean and the Bay.

Here, the Steve's Creek Nature Trail and the Canyon Trail intersect. A lovely patch of grass surrounds the junction, making it an ideal spot for a break.

Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.

This fantastic tavern, founded in 1852, is the second oldest in the state. It features a large, beer garden-style outdoor area with plenty of shade. An extensive beer and food menu makes it a perfect stop to enjoy a brew and some great food after a ride.