Windy Hill Open Space Preserve: Panoramic Views and Diverse Trails
Explore Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley for hiking, biking, and panoramic views of the Bay Area and Pacific Ocean.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, located in Portola Valley, California, offers 1,414 acres of scenic beauty with grassland ridges, forests, and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean. Popular for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities, the preserve features diverse trails for all skill levels.
A brief summary to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
- Portola Valley, California, 94028, US
- +1650-691-1200
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots at both the lower and upper trailheads fill quickly.
- Bring layers, as the summit can be windy and colder than the surrounding areas, especially in the fall and winter.
- Check the trail map and choose a route that matches your fitness level, as some trails are steep and challenging.
- Stay on marked trails and be aware of wildlife, including mountain lions and rattlesnakes.
- Dogs are allowed on designated trails but must be kept on a leash, and owners must clean up after them.
Getting There
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Driving
From I-280, take the Alpine Road exit south for approximately 3 miles to Portola Road. Turn right onto Portola Road and continue for about 0.8 miles to the Lower Windy Hill parking lot on the left. Alternatively, for the upper portion of the preserve, take Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and find roadside parking. Parking at the lower lot is free, but fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Overflow parking is available at the Portola Valley Town Center, about 0.4 miles north on Portola Road. Parking on Portola Road is strictly enforced.
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Public Transport
Take SamTrans bus route 87 to Portola Valley. From the bus stop, follow Portola Road to the preserve entrance. The single fare for SamTrans is approximately $2.50. Note that the 87 bus operates with limited weekday service. From San Francisco or Oakland, take Caltrain or BART to a connecting SamTrans bus route. Caltrain tickets from San Francisco to Palo Alto range from $7 to $9.
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Walking
From the Portola Valley Town Center, walk south on Portola Road for about 0.4 miles to the Lower Windy Hill parking area and the main entrance to the preserve. This is a straightforward walk along a paved road. Be mindful of traffic.
Discover more about Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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