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Activities
Spring Ridge to Summit Information
This popular hike provides beautiful views of the entire Peninsula from the summit of Windy Hill.
Watch for:
Look out for coyotes, raptors, songbirds and, in spring, wildflowers. Mt. Diablo, Mt. Hamilton and Mt. Tamalpais are visible on clear days. There are picnic tables next to Spring Ridge parking area off Skyline Blvd.
Hiking Details for Windy Hill
Distance: 7.5 mile loop
Elevation change: 1400′ elevation gain
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Trail surface: Packed dirt
Best Season: All year
Managing agency: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
Portola road parking lot location: Click here for directions
Overview: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is a popular spot along Skyline Boulevard with several different options for day hikes including the Anniversary Trail. For a strenuous 7.5-mile hike with a mix of shade and sun, take the Spring Ridge Trail to the Hamm’s Gulch Trail, Lost Trail, and the Anniversary Trail to reach the summit. This hike has an elevation of 1,400 feet but is worth the views.
On a clear day, you have views of San Francisco, Mt. Diablo, San Jose and Stanford’s Hoover Tower. Descend via the Spring Ridge trail to the Betsy Crowder Trail. The Betsy Crowder Trail is a bit quieter and only open to hikers, dog walkers and equestrians; cyclists are permitted on the rest of the Spring Ridge Trail, so watch for bikers on corners and hills. It is usually best to do a Windy Hill hike early in the morning, as the preserve gets quite warm in the spring and summer months and the parking can fill up quickly.
Spring Ridge to Summit Photo Gallery
More about the Windy Hill Property
Windy Hill was the first land protection project completed by POST back in 1981. Today, it’s an ideal spot for flying kites, walking dogs, mountain biking and horseback riding. The grassy ridge top of this popular 1,335-acre open space preserve is clearly visible from many spots along the Peninsula.