The 1,312-acre preserve features open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak. Peninsula Open Space Trust, a local non-profit land trust, provided major support for acquisition of this preserve.

Visitors can meander through a variety of habitats along the preserve’s 12 miles of trails. Hikers and equestrians use the Hamms Gulch, Eagle, Razorback Ridge, and Lost Trails to make an 8-mile loop through forested ridges to the valley floor and back again. The Anniversary Trail provides a short hike atop Windy Hill, with spectacular views of the bay and surrounding valley. Popular among bicyclists is the Spring Ridge Trail, which descends from Skyline Boulevard and continues along a grassy ridge to Portola Valley.

Windy Hill is an ideal spot for kite flying. Hang gliding, paragliding, and remote control gliding are allowed by obtaining a special activity permit. Contact the District office for more information. Picnic tables are located adjacent to the Spring Ridge parking area – a super beginning to a day, or the perfect ending to a long hike!

HOW TO GET THERE

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is located in the Town of Portola Valley. The parking lot at the lower portion of the preserve is located on Portola Road. From Highway 280, exit Alpine Road in Portola Valley. Go south on Alpine Road about 2.9 miles to Portola Road (the first stop sign). Turn right on Portola Road and travel 0.8 miles to the parking lot on the left side of the road.

Parking for the upper portion of the preserve, the Spring Ridge parking area, is located on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35), 2.3 miles south of Highway 84 (La Honda Road) and 4.9 miles north of Page Mill Road. Additional roadside parking is available along Skyline Boulevard.   

Download a map of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

For an easy interactive location map, click Skyline Boulevard parking area (upper) or Preserve parking lot-Portola Road (lower) for Google local directions.