Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is named for its breezy, grass-covered summit, a landmark visible from much of the Peninsula, and covers about 1,400 acres of open ridges and redwood, fir, and oak forest above Portola Valley. Midpen bought the upper portion in 1980 with major help from the Peninsula Open Space Trust and added the lower portion, including Spring Ridge, in 1987.

From Skyline Boulevard, the 0.6-mile Anniversary Trail links the two upper parking areas with detours to the summit and the Herb Grench overlook, giving a 360-degree view of the bay and the Pacific; it can be made into a one-mile loop. Down in Portola Valley, a 1.6-mile loop with about 200 feet of climbing crosses oak woodland and spring wildflower meadows to Sausal Pond, where you may see egrets, herons, wood ducks, and western pond turtles; leashed dogs may use this loop. A 7.2-mile loop on the Spring Ridge, Lost, and Hamm's Gulch trails takes in everything, from the pond to the summit. Windy Hill is also a northeast-facing hang gliding and paragliding site, with permits managed by the Wings of Rogallo club, and picnic tables sit by the Spring Ridge parking area.

Dogs are allowed on leash on designated trails, and bikes and horses on designated trails. The lower lot on Portola Road (47 spaces) fills quickly and roadside parking is strictly enforced; overflow parking is at the Portola Valley Town Center, 0.4 miles north. Several small roadside lots line Skyline Boulevard.