Hike the Windy Hill Loop

Portola Valley, California

4.3/5

based on 6 reviews

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Details

Distance

7.2 miles

Elevation Gain

1400 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Ty Rauber

Climb up the Santa Cruz Mountains for a great workout near Portola Valley with fog-permitting, views of the Pacific. Dogs are allowed on-leash.

This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will connect with the Lost Trail. Head west on the Lost Trail until it connects with the Anniversary Trail, which will lead you back to Spring Ridge Trail. Once you're back on Spring Ridge, follow it until you hit your car.

The great thing about this hike is the abundance of wildflowers when in season. Out of season, it's a great place to get a longer hike in. Parts of this trail are shared use, so keep an eye for equestrians and bikers.

Also, keep in mind that the wind can really get going on Spring Ridge Trail ("Windy Hill"), so you may want to consider dressing with some warm, lightweight layers.

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Features

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Scenic

Wildflowers

ADA Accessible

Hike the Windy Hill Loop Reviews

Austin Brizgys

Hike the Windy Hill Loop

12/26/21

This trail shows bikes, and is a decent spot to get a lung buster climb in. You have to go early, be first on train so more limited hikers, and have to go slow on downhill, but a few laps of this uphill is great workout and training. You can link to a lot of good trails once up at the top as well.

3.0

Natalie F

Hike the Windy Hill Loop

07/30/20

Excellent hike and workout! Beautiful views. Plenty of variety too - rolling hills and mountains and you are in wooded areas at times too! Loved this hike!

5.0

Emily Schrick

Hike the Windy Hill Loop

01/26/18

Starting from the parking lot on portola rd. and heading up the Spring Ridge trail via the Betsy Crowder trail to Windy Hill is such a great workout, and offers great views of the rolling hills of the preserve. Going after a rain is the best - all of the grass is green, but be careful if descending via the Hamms gulch or lost trail - they'll be muddy & slippery!

4.0

Maria Marcelo

Hike the Windy Hill Loop

02/03/17

You can do several hikes, depending on the degree of difficulty you feel like facing. Great view at the top of the hill. If you walk at a fast pace, the inclination will make it an awesome workout.

5.0

Erika B

Hike the Windy Hill Loop

03/27/16

This trail takes you through it all. You start out walking through the forest and come out on top of the mountains with a breathtaking view. Definitely worth it!

5.0

Meike Gugel

Hike the Windy Hill Loop

02/21/16

Easy to moderate hiking with gorgeous view from the windy hill summit.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike the Windy Hill Loop

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Hike the Windy Hill Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Sunrise Hike at Windy Hill

Hike the Arastradero Preserve Loop

Park Day at Foothills Park

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