Windy Hill is named for its distinctive, breezy grass-covered hilltop, which can be seen from many areas of the peninsula. The 1,335-acre preserve features open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak, offering a wonderful variety of scenery as you and your leashed dog explore the trails together.
The Peninsula Open Space Trust, a local nonprofit land trust, provided major support for acquisition of this preserve. Managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Windy Hill is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the San Francisco Peninsula and a favorite among dog owners who love getting out into nature with their dogs.
Visitors can meander through a variety of habitats along the preserve’s 12 miles of trails. The classic Windy Hill Loop is a roughly 7.2-mile route that takes you along the Spring Ridge Trail, Lost Trail, and Hamms Gulch Trail, winding through sunny grasslands at the ridgetop down into cool, shaded redwood groves in the canyon below. For a shorter outing, the 0.6-mile connector trail between the two Skyline Boulevard parking areas includes detours to the summit of Windy Hill and the Herb Grench overlook, both of which reward you with panoramic views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean. There is also a gentler 1.6-mile loop suitable for hikers of all skill levels with about 200 feet of elevation gain.
Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails at Windy Hill except the Lost Trail and Razorback Ridge Trail. However, dogs are permitted on the portion of Lost Trail between the Hamms Gulch Trail and the Anniversary Trail, so you can still enjoy much of the loop with your dog. Always remember to bring waste bags and clean up after your dog on the trail.
Picnic tables are located adjacent to the Spring Ridge parking area on Portola Road, making it a super beginning to a day or the perfect ending to a long hike. Note that this lower parking area fills up quickly on weekends and sunny days, so arriving early is a good idea. The upper parking area on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) provides an alternative access point with its own set of scenic trails.
For a vigorous workout climbing from the canyon floor to the windy summit or a leisurely ridgetop walk with sweeping views, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve delivers an outstanding dog-friendly hiking experience right in the peninsula.
Length: 7.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Open to: Hikers, ADA, dogs on leash, equestrians, bicyclists
Please remember to Leave Only Paw Prints™
