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Trekking the Windy Hill ridgeline.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

Point to Point

2,009' 612 m

High

1,638' 499 m

Low

327' 100 m

Up

521' 159 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

Description

Follow the Windy Hill ridgeline through a sheltered forest and across rolling grasslands on a narrow footpath and broad wagon road. Enjoy sweeping views of the San Mateo Coast and Santa Clara Valley. True to its name, strong winds are possible in this preserve, as is coastal fog. Since this is a relatively short trip, hikers and equestrians may want to do the 6.6- or 6.2-mile round-trip. Bicycles are only allowed on a short 0.5-mile section.

Bikers restricted to a short section.

This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Bay Area Ridge Trail Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more buy the book from Wilderness Press.

Contacts

Shared By:

Bay Area Ridge Trail Staff

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#14001

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1,440

in California

#14,001

Overall
3 Views Last Month
207 Since Jul 24, 2019
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

The Anniversary Trail makes its way up Windy Hill.
Apr 27, 2016 near Portola…, CA
Views the surrounding hills spread out before you. Fog can roll over the hills in the evening causing it to be much cooler than where you started.
Apr 27, 2016 near Portola…, CA
Views of a couple resting on a bench on one of the hills at the top of the preserve.
Apr 27, 2016 near Portola…, CA
Stanford Dish area and the San Francisco Bay beyond on a hazy day from the summit of Windy Hill.
Apr 27, 2016 near Portola…, CA
Skyline Boulevard runs just outside the preserve. If you don't want to climb to the top, you can drive to the parking lots on either side of the hill.
Apr 27, 2016 near Portola…, CA
Flowers bloom in the tall grass as the trail makes its way to the Anniversary Trail.
Apr 27, 2016 near Portola…, CA

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