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Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley | Map and Routes

Sports Facility · Dog friendly · Grassland · Pond

4.7 (85 ratings)

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley is a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering 1286.2 acres of natural beauty and diverse trails to explore. With a variety of ...

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley is a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering 1286.2 acres of natural beauty and diverse trails to explore. With a variety of routes catering to different skill levels, visitors can enjoy activities like walking and hiking amidst breathtaking scenery. The park provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve has something to suit every walker and hiker's needs. The park features an array of trails, including the popular Hamms Gulch Trail, which spans 5 miles and offers an estimated time of 1 hour and 38 minutes. Additionally, the Windy Hill - Spring Ridge Trail, Razorback Ridge Trail, and Sequoias Trail provide diverse terrain and stunning vistas for hikers to explore. Whether you're seeking a moderate or more rigorous trek, the park offers a range of options to cater to different preferences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and enjoy the invigorating experience of walking or hiking through this expansive preserve. For walkers and hikers seeking an enriching outdoor experience, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is the perfect destination. Whether you're a novice looking for a peaceful stroll or an experienced hiker in search of challenging terrain, the park's diverse trails and scenic landscapes provide ample opportunities for exploration. Visitors can download the Pacer Pedometer app for more information about the park's routes and additional details to enhance their walking and hiking adventures.

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Reviews (18)
Photos (7)

Walking and Hiking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Are you a walking or hiking enthusiast looking for a picturesque and invigorating outdoor experience? Look no further than the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley, United States. This stunning park offers a range of amenities catering to walkers and hikers, including dog-friendly trails, ample parking lots, restrooms, ...

Are you a walking or hiking enthusiast looking for a picturesque and invigorating outdoor experience? Look no further than the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley, United States. This stunning park offers a range of amenities catering to walkers and hikers, including dog-friendly trails, ample parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, wheelchair-friendly paths, and even a tennis court for sports enthusiasts. The park also boasts captivating viewpoints, including the renowned 'Windy Hill' viewpoint, providing breathtaking vistas for nature lovers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is the ideal destination for outdoor activity seekers.

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Other Info about Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

sunrise-sunset
https://www.openspace.org/preserves/windy-hill

Essential Amenities in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Picnic Site
Drinking water
Dog friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Sport Facilities

Tennis court

Accessibility in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Dogs allowed
Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Viewpoint

Windy Hill

Best Walking Routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

#1 - Hamms Gulch Trail - Alpine Road
10
Length: 5 milesEst. Time: 1h38m

Hamms Gulch Trail - Alpine Road is a 5 mile (11,000-step) route located near Portola Valley, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 839.7 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Windy Hill - Spring Ridge Trail
7
Length: 5.6 milesEst. Time: 1h2m

Windy Hill - Spring Ridge Trail is a 5.6 mile (13,000-step) route located near Portola Valley, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 1371 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Betsy Crowder Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Betsy Crowder Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Portola Valley, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 154.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Reviews of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

4.7/5
85 ratings
潇湘公子2020/07/11
5

上山有几个陡坡,有点挑战。下山树荫茂密,非常凉爽。山顶风景优美。既可以跑山,也可以和朋友悠闲散步。11公里不太长不太短,运动量刚好。

DELETED2022/04/30
5

I will be coming back. Amazing trail didn’t feel 7+ miles.

Martín2021/04/05
5

Beautiful place

See All Reviews (18)
See All Reviews (18)

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
PacerGal_1974
25
Anne
16
潇湘公子
8
4Courtney
5
5thomaschang99
5
6Hiker
4
7DELETED
3
8Elizabeth
2
9mehdi
2
10Shirley
2
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Thornewood Open Space Preserve
Coal Creek Open Space Preserve
Foothills Nature Preserve
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Foothills Open Space Preserve
Wunderlich County Park
Los Trancos Open Space Preserve

FAQs About Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Where is the best place to walk in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

The best place to walk in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is along the Hamms Gulch Trail - Alpine Road, which is 5 miles long and has a rating of 4.5 based on 10 reviews from the Pacer community.

How many routes are in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve has a total of 8 routes for walking and hiking.

Which is the longest route in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

The longest route in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is the Windy Hill - Spring Ridge Trail, which is 5.6 miles long and has a rating of 4 based on 6 reviews from the Pacer community.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

Yes, the park offers essential amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, and drinking water. It is also dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for walkers and hikers.

How accessible is Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is accessible for walkers, hikers, and sports enthusiasts. It is wheelchair friendly and also allows dogs, making it inclusive for all visitors.

What kind of sports can I do in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

While the park primarily caters to walking and hiking, it also offers a tennis court for sports enthusiasts to enjoy. Additionally, visitors can experience beautiful viewpoints such as Windy Hill.

What is the best season to walk in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

The best season to walk in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is typically in the spring and fall when the weather is milder and the landscape is vibrant with blooming wildflowers.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Walkers and hikers should prepare for hot temperatures in summer and occasional fog in the mornings, especially near the coast. It's important to carry sufficient water and sun protection during the warmer months.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, coyotes, bobcats, and a diverse bird population. Hikers and walkers may also encounter a variety of reptiles, insects, and small mammals. It's important to respect the wildlife and observe from a safe distance.

Last updated: Jan 1, 2025

Parks Near Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Thornewood Open Space Preserve
Coal Creek Open Space Preserve
Foothills Nature Preserve
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Foothills Open Space Preserve
Wunderlich County Park
Los Trancos Open Space Preserve

Latest Check-ins at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

KenSep 29, 2024
Sep 29, 2024Cycling
PacerGal_1974Jun 7, 2024
Jun 7, 2024Walking
PacerGal_1974Jun 3, 2024
Jun 3, 2024Walking
JessicaMay 25, 2024
May 25, 2024Hiking
PacerGal_1974Apr 19, 2024
Apr 19, 2024Walking
PacerGal_1974May 7, 2024
May 7, 2024Walking
PacerGal_1974Apr 18, 2024
Apr 18, 2024Walking
PacerGal_1974Mar 15, 2024
Mar 15, 2024Walking
PacerGal_1974Mar 13, 2024
Mar 13, 2024Walking
PacerGal_1974Feb 27, 2024
Feb 27, 2024Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

RankingCheck-ins
PacerGal_1974
25
Anne
16
潇湘公子
8
4Courtney
5
5thomaschang99
5
6Hiker
4
7DELETED
3
8Elizabeth
2
9mehdi
2
10Shirley
2
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
#1- Hamms Gulch Trail - Alpine Road
10
Length: 5 milesEst. Time: 1h38m

Hamms Gulch Trail - Alpine Road is a 5 mile (11,000-step) route located near Portola Valley, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 839.7 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Windy Hill - Spring Ridge Trail
7
Length: 5.6 milesEst. Time: 1h2m

Windy Hill - Spring Ridge Trail is a 5.6 mile (13,000-step) route located near Portola Valley, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 1371 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Betsy Crowder Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Betsy Crowder Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Portola Valley, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 154.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Sequoias Trail
1
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m

Sequoias Trail is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Portola Valley, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Razorback Ridge Trail
1
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 47m

Razorback Ridge Trail is a 2.7 mile (6,500-step) route located near Portola Valley, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 1266.1 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Eagle Trail
1
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m

Eagle Trail is a 0.7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Portola Valley, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 75.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Windy Hill Open Space Preserve - Hamms Gulch Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve - Hamms Gulch Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Portola Valley, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 160.7 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Hamms Gulch Trail
1
Length: 2.8 milesEst. Time: 47m

Hamms Gulch Trail is a 2.8 mile (6,500-step) route located near Portola Valley, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

潇湘公子2020/07/11
5

上山有几个陡坡,有点挑战。下山树荫茂密,非常凉爽。山顶风景优美。既可以跑山,也可以和朋友悠闲散步。11公里不太长不太短,运动量刚好。

DELETED2022/04/30
5

I will be coming back. Amazing trail didn’t feel 7+ miles.

Martín2021/04/05
5

Beautiful place

Daddy_102024/08/07
4
Erin2024/05/20
5
Courtney2023/07/04
5
mike142022/12/26
5
PacerPal2022/04/14
5
thomaschang992022/03/27
5
PacerPal2022/01/02
4
Bill2021/03/17
4
julyjasmine2020/11/02
3
julyjasmine2020/10/19
3
sarah2020/08/03
5
La Ron 2020/06/14
5
PacerPal2020/06/02
5
Ruth2020/06/01
5
4.7/5
85 ratings

Photos of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

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