Windy Hill Preserve

Overview

Hours

Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.

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.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: Designated Trails

Equestrian: Designated Trails

Dogs on Leash: Designated Trails

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Available

Download Map Trail Closures

Preserve Highlights & Features

(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.

Find out more

Stories from the Preserves

Hawthorns Public Access Working Group

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Hawthorns Area Plan

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Know Before You Go

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

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.

Razorback Ridge Trail and Lost Trail south of Hamms Gulch Trail are CLOSED to equestrians until Spring 2024 to allow for trail repair work to over-winter.
On Saturday, August 23 the Lower Windy Hill Parking Area will be INACCESSIBLE in or out from 9:45am to 11:00am due to a road closure on Portola Road for the Zotts to Tots Run. Visitors who arrive earlier will need to wait for the road to reopen to leave.

The following trails may be closed to equestrian use during wet conditions.

Betsy Crowder Trail is OPEN to equestrians.
Hamms Gulch Trail is OPEN to equestrians.
Lost Trail south of Hamms Gulch is CLOSED to equestrians.
Razorback Ridge Trail is CLOSED to equestrians

Lower Windy Hill Parking Area (47 spaces + 2 ADA): The parking area at the lower portion of the preserve is located on Portola Road. This parking area fills quickly. Please do not park on Portola Road; parking is strictly enforced.

Overflow parking is available at the Portola Valley Town Center, approximately 0.4 miles north on Portola Road. Take the Portola Trail from the Town Center.

Upper Windy Hill
There is roadside parking available on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35)-

Upper Spring Ridge Roadside Parking (10 spaces): Located north of Spring Ridge Trail head
Picnic Tables Roadside Parking (11 spaces + 1 ADA): Located just south of Anniversary Trail head
Upper Razorback Roadside Parking (6 spaces): Located at the Razorback Ridge Trail head

Willowbrook-Alpine Roadside Parking (4 spaces): Located at the corner of Willowbrook Dr and Alpine Road, at the trailhead.

Equestrian trailer/bus parking: Equestrian trailer/bus parking is available, courtesy of the Town of Portola Valley, at the driveway entrance to the Spring Downs Equestrian Center* at 725 Portola Road.

The driveway off Portola Road is town property. There is a gravel area to the left of the paved driveway that is suitable for trailer/bus parking.
A ½-mile roadside trail runs from the driveway to the Lower Windy Hill Parking Area on Portola Road.
*Please note: Spring Downs Equestrian Center is a private facility, and Midpen visitors should not enter that area.

Bicyclists: Bicycles are allowed on designated trails only (marked on map). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). E-bikes are not allowed on most Midpen trails. Avoid startling hikers and equestrians by announcing your presence when approaching from behind. For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed only on designated trails in this preserve (marked on map) and must be controlled on a 6-foot or less leash. Self-retracting leashes are allowed with a maximum extended length of 25 feet. Extended leashes must be locked at 6’ when in the presence of other visitors. Visitors may have no more than three dogs per person. Bag dog waste and take it with you. Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access. For more information visit the Dog Access page.

Drones and Model Aircraft: Drones, model airplanes and model rockets are NOT allowed.

Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails (marked on map). Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.

Remote control gliders: Allowed by permit only at Windy Hill Preserve.

Fires are prohibited in preserves.
Plants & Wildlife: Please leave undisturbed. If you encounter wildlife during a visit, do not approach, startle or feed it. Although wild animals are generally fearful of humans and will run away, some wildlife can be dangerous.
Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Weapons are prohibited in preserves.

A general access permit is required for any activity or event that:

may be attended by twenty (20) or more people; OR
would restrict the use of any part of Midpen lands by members of the public; OR
requests or requires a fee be paid or a donation made for participation. This includes events where the fee is in the form of a mandatory purchase, such as a t-shirt.
remote control gliding

Apply for a permit >

Hang gliding and paragliding are allowed by obtaining a permit through the Wings of Rogallo Club.

Apply for a permit >

Midpen trails and facilities are generally very safe. However, you are entering an environment where there are some naturally occurring hazards. Reasonable caution and common sense should be utilized when venturing into any outdoor environment.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle! Lock your vehicle and store valuables out of sight or take them with you on the trail.
Travel in groups of two or more. Two of more people can assist each other in the event of an accident or emergency.
Dress for the environment. Temperature changes can be occur and you should dress in layers appropriate for the location, time of year and planned activities.
Carry water with you. Drinking water is not available at most Midpen preserves so you should bring your own. Two quarts per person per two hour hike is recommended.
Apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water prior to and during your outdoor activities.
Be aware that cell service is very sporadic on the preserves.

Be Prepared and Aware

Plan ahead before you leave. Check regulations and weather, download a map, pack water and first aid.
Know your limits and take safety precautions.
Rattlesnakes are native to this area and are especially active in warm weather.
Poison oak grows on most preserves: Learn to identify and avoid it in all seasons.
Ticks are present in this area and may carry diseases.
Mountain lions are a natural part of this region’s environment and are occasionally seen.

In Case of Emergency

If you experience an emergency (fire, accident or other immediate threat to life or property), call 911. For nonemergencies, call 650-691-1200.

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Windy Hill Preserve

Title
Lower Parking Area Closure

Overview

Anniversary Trail

Sausal Pond Loop

Windy Hill Loop