Stanford Dish Hiking Trailhead — Attraction in Palo Alto

There are 2 satellite dishes, a small one and a big one. Park closes at 5pm but as long as you get in before 5pm you can take your time and leave whenever you're done. Right from the start it's a steep climb and there are many up hills and down hills, so you will get a nice workout just walking. If you hate your knees please run on this trail.

Pros:

Park is open and free to the public. The loop trail has clear markers telling you where you are according to the map (see photo). I saw 3 coyotes and 2 deer in the afternoon before it closed. Because it's a satellite installation there are park rangers and security around for your safety. Nice views at a couple if spots (see photo).

Cons:

Parking is very limited on Stanford Ave only. The security guard will mean mug you when you enter. The asphalt is crumbling and falling apart at many spots, and slanted to the left or right so it feels like one leg is always shorter than the other. Wild animals do roam here so be careful after sunset. There was a weird lady standing around and yelling random words after sunset near the parking area. You can't do anything other than walk or run here, they make sure you know that when you enter...

Thanks to Stanford for making these trails available. This is a nice walk for your average office warrior, doing this is will help your heart, and is an all around pleasant experience.

You'll see various community members of various fitness levels, for some just finishing the inner loop is worthy, while the more fit will be found running the course multiple times in a visit, which given the ups and downs requires good cardio.

Cell coverage is good, so if you can keep your breath at whatever pace you choose, you can chatter away as so many seem to do. On this paved suburban trek, it is all but expected, and certainly has advantages for one's health over doing so in some sedentary posture.

Lots of ground squirrels, deer, turkeys, coyotes and other denizens of the foothills will be seen on a regular basis. Do watch your step, as the occasional snake or tarantula will need to cross the path to maintain its schedule.

No dogs or mechanical transportation are to be had, bring your walking or running shoes, your good attitude, and enjoy the views of the lower bay as you...

Easy trail with kids!

We started the Stanford dish trail approx 3.7mi along with three kids (3/4/7 yrs old) and two strollers.

Well kids almost didn’t used strollers at all inspite there were one or two steep uphill/downhills.

We could manage the trail in around 100 mins as we went easy with few small stops. I would always recommend to take right from first Y junction as it helps to get awesome views on your downhill as well as it avoid the toughest uphill right at the first 15 minutes.

Do try this trail to burn out few calories and if you are without kids you can try to do two loops as well.

Bay Area view is good and we could spot two bay bridges as well (not the third one though). Views from the highest point are good :)

One restroom at the entry gate, there is a Sheriff always present and he is always greeting which makes a good start and end.

Parkings could be tough on a holiday but good part being enough spots including school on weekends/holidays and a small wait could eventually get one spot for...