Sunset at Windy Hill Preserve

Windy Hill Preserve

Overview

Windy Hill is named for its distinctive, breezy grass-covered hilltop, which can be seen from many areas of the peninsula. The 1,414-acre preserve features open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak.

The Peninsula Open Space Trust, a local nonprofit land trust, provided major support for acquisition of this preserve.

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Hiking: All Trails
Hiking: All Trails
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Bicycling: Designated Trails
Bicycling: Designated Trails
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Equestrian: Designated Trails
Equestrian: Designated Trails
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Dogs on Leash: Designated Trails
Dogs on Leash: Designated Trails
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Easy Access: Designated Trails
Easy Access: Designated Trails
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Some parking
Parking: Designated Areas
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Camping: No Camping
Camping: No Camping
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Restrooms: Available
Restrooms: Available

Preserve Highlights & Features

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Paragliding on Windy Hill
(Julie Spiegler)

Paragliding and Hang Gliding

Windy Hill is a northeast-facing paragliding and hang gliding site!  Excellent pilot judgement and skills are required to in order fly this location safely. Access and permits are managed through the Wings of Rogallo, a chapter of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.

Stories from the Preserves

Nature

Here are some of the plants and animals that other visitors have observed at this preserve and recorded in iNaturalist. Protected species may be excluded and some species may not yet have been observed. Help improve iNaturalist by adding your observations to the Midpen Biodiversity Index project

Join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date on this preserve and other Midpen news! 

 

Know Before You Go

Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife. 

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YIELD. Bicycles yield to hikers and equestrians. HIkers yield to equestrians.

Share the Trail 

  • Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury. 

  • Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .  

  • Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians. 

  • Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited. 

  • Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200. 

History

Recognized as a significant addition to Midpen in 1980, Windy Hill Preserve was formed in the "upper" portion with a 537-acre acquisition with major support from the Peninsula Open Space Trust. A second major purchase of 429 acres in 1987 added the "lower" portion and included the scenic backdrop of Spring Ridge.