This preserve is named for the prominent, grass-covered hilltop which forms the scenic backdrop to the Town of Portola Valley. The 1,132-acre preserve features open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak, and was acquired with significant financial support from Peninsula Open Space Trust. Many outdoor activities are available to visitors. The grassy hilltop provides views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, the valley, and the bay. Windy Hill is an ideal spot for kite flying. Soaring, hang gliding, and paragliding are allowed from the top of Windy Hill with a special permit. Contact the District office for more information. Picnic tables are located adjacent to the parking area - a super beginning to a day, or the perfect ending to a long hike! Windy Hill has many trails providing a variety of experiences and different trail uses. The popular Windy Hill Loop, which is open to both hikers and equestrians, uses Hamms Gulch Trail, Eagle Trail, Razorback Ridge Trail and Lost Trail to make the eight-mile loop from the top of Skyline down forested ridges to the valley floor and back again. The Anniversary Trail provides a short hike atop Windy Hill, with spectacular views of the bay and surrounding valley. Popular for mountain bicyclists is Spring Ridge Trail, which drops steeply from Skyline Boulevard along a grassy ridge to Portola Valley. Directions: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is located in the Town of Portola Valley. The main parking area is located on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35), 2.3 miles south of Highway 84 (La Honda Road), or 4.9 miles north of Page Mill Road. Additional roadside parking is available along Skyline Boulevard. For access to the lower portion of the preserve, please park at Portola Valley Town Hall and follow the town trails to the preserve.

• Flyhawk:  Avoid running the long stretch of fire road at Windy Hill and stick to the good stuff! • Razorback:  A turbulent trek pointing skyward that may leave you feeling a bit winded. No pun intended! • Hammies: Hammies marked the true beginning of my trail running mission. See where Baytrailrunners was born. • Spring Ridge: If you live for uphill training like I do, you'll really appreciate this one.