Windy Hill Loop

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
4.3
6 Reviews
Windy Hill Loop
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Details

Distance
7.48 miles
Elevation Gain
1578 ft
Route Type
Loop

Features

Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Wildflowers
Dog Friendly
Scenic
Ada Accessible
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Directions
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Track

About this place

Added by Ty Rauber

Climb up the Santa Cruz Mountains on the Windy Hill Loop. Get a great workout near Portola Valley with fog-permitting, views of the Pacific. Dogs are allowed on-leash. 

This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will connect with the Lost Trail. Head west on the Lost Trail until it connects with the Anniversary Trail, which will lead you back to Spring Ridge Trail. Once you're back on Spring Ridge, follow it until you hit your car.

The great thing about this hike is the abundance of wildflowers when in season. Out of season, it's a great place to get a longer hike in. Parts of this trail are shared use, so keep an eye for equestrians and bikers.

Also, keep in mind that the wind can really get going on Spring Ridge Trail ("Windy Hill"), so you may want to consider dressing with some warm, lightweight layers.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Austin Brizgys
12/26/2021
Quick Mountain Bike ascent
This trail shows bikes, and is a decent spot to get a lung buster climb in. You have to go early, be first on ...
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Natalie F
7/30/2020
Great hike!
Excellent hike and workout! Beautiful views. Plenty of variety too - rolling hills and mountains and you are in wooded areas at times too! ...
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Emily Schrick
1/26/2018
One of the best Peninsula hikes
Starting from the parking lot on portola rd. and heading up the Spring Ridge trail via the Betsy Crowder trail to Windy Hill is ...
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Maria Marcelo
2/3/2017
Great Hike(s)
You can do several hikes, depending on the degree of difficulty you feel like facing. Great view at the top of the hill. If ...
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Erika B
3/27/2016
Beautiful!
This trail takes you through it all. You start out walking through the forest and come out on top of the mountains with a ...
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Meike Gugel
2/21/2016
Nice Trail!
Easy to moderate hiking with gorgeous view from the windy hill summit.
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