Where: Windy Hill Preserve
Where to Park: From Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, exit Alpine Road (exit 22). Drive west about 3 miles, and turn right at the first stop sign, onto Portola. Drive about 0.8 mile, and turn left into the parking lot.
Things to take with you: Sunglasses, hat, water, phone(camera), small Backpack to keep wallet (some cash), snack
Dog Friendly: Yes
Distance: 8 miles .
My Trip: Friends visited from LA and a hike was a must! We started at 2 pm and when we reached Portolla Road, we realized we hadn’t had lunch. A break at Portola Cafe Deli Pizza Burgers and yummy pizza later we hit the Spring Ridge trail and started climbing through rolling hills. The climb was happily spent chatting with friends and soon we found ourselves at top. The summit was engulfed in clouds and reminded us of Sahyadri mountains in monsoon. On the way down, we used Anniversary trail and the wooded Hamms Gulch trail. Few portions were quite muddy but nothing to dampen the mood. Windy Hill is a rewarding hike. At the summit you are always greeted by amazing views and weather!
Starting Point:
Views: Spectacular valley views, Pacific ocean views when you cross Highway 35 at summit, wildflowers, rolling hills, dense forests
Where to eat: One of the best pizzas at Portola Cafe Deli Pizza Burgers
Date: May 26, 2018
I have previously hiked this trail in opposite direction with some changes. The guidelines as follows:
Featured hike:
Mile:
0.0: Start at the information signboard and follow the sign “to Windy Hill OSP Trails.”
0.1: Junction. Turn left onto Spring Ridge Trail.
0.5: Junction. Continue straight, toward Alpine Road.
0.6: Junction near private driveway. Bear right, then straight, onto Hamms Gulch Trail.
1.0: Junction with Eagle Trail. Continue straight on Hamms Gulch Trail.
3.4: Hamms Gulch Trail ends at a signed junction. Turn right onto Lost Trail.
4.0: Lost Trail ends near a picnic area at the Skyline Boulevard trailhead. Continue straight, now on Anniversary Trail.
4.0: Stay to the right, as a path for equestrians and cyclists veers left.
4.4: Anniversary Trail ends at a signed junction with Spring Ridge Trail. Turn right.
6.4: Signed junction with Betsy Crowder Trail. Turn left.
7.1: Junction, again, with Spring Ridge Trail and the path back to the trailhead. Turn left.
7.2: Back at the trailhead.
Assorted 