Windy Hill | Stanford's Scenic Escape | Bay Area Hiking Guide 🌄🚶‍♀️

📍 Location Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is nestled in the Peninsula area near Palo Alto (Stanford University). 🅿️ Parking Lot 1⃣️: 37.364350, -122.215135 (Super close to the trailhead! Fits ~5 cars. Weekdays = easy, weekends = arrive early!) 🚗💨 Lot 2⃣️: 37.375657, -122.223066 (Bigger, fits 10+ cars, but requires extra walk via Betsy Crowder Trail. Still packed on weekends!) 🏞️🚙 Lot 3⃣️: 37.361747, -122.247117 (At the summit, near Skyline Blvd—great for sunset chasers!) 🌅 👀 Highlights 1⃣️ Bay views 🌊 2⃣️ Panoramic vistas of the Bay Area, especially Stanford! 🎓✨ 🗺️ Route (~7 miles, ~3 hours via Loup Trail) Meadow Trail → Spring Ridge Trail → Anniversary Trail (Windy Hill Summit viewpoint!) → Lost Trail → Hamms Gluch Trail → Meadow Trail 🚩 Pro Tips 🚩 Half the trail is shaded, half sun-baked ☀️🌳. Hike uphill on the exposed part (Spring Ridge Trail) first, then cool down in the shade on the descent (Hamms Gluch Trail). ⭐ Ratings (5❤️ scale) 1⃣️ Scenery (2❤️): 50% sweeping Bay views, 50% peaceful forest—perfect for unwinding! 🌲🌆 2⃣️ Shade (2❤️): ~50% coverage. Summit = breezy & refreshing! 💨🍃 3⃣️ Elevation (2❤️): Moderate—~400m gain. ⛰️ 4⃣️ Difficulty (3❤️): Intermediate. 🧗‍♂️ 5⃣️ Parking (4❤️): Plenty of spots (including street parking). Lot 1 = most convenient but tiny! 🅿️👍 6⃣️ Amenities: Only Lots 2 & 3 have restrooms. Lot 3 also has picnic tables! 🚻🍽️ #Stanford #BayAreaTravel #SanFrancisco #Hiking #WeekendGetaway #WindyHill #PaloAlto