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Windy Hill Loop via Hamms Gulch Trail

based on 179 tracks & routes #1 hike out of 3 in
7.4 mi
Distance
3 hrs 52 min
Time
terrain
1,334 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate 7.5 mile loop trail to Windy Hill in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, going up 3 miles mostly in the sun, coming down mostly in the shade. Dogs are allowed on leash.

This trail goes by Sausal Pond.

This trail can be cold and wet when there is heavy fog, so be aware of the weather.

Getting Started

Park in Windy Hills Parking Lot in 550 Portola Rd in Portola Valley. Start by taking Betsy Crowder Trail behind the bathrooms.
then head up on Spring Ridge Trail. Anniversary Trail, which has a short spur up to the summit, will connect you to Lost Trail. That will take you across until you get to Hamm's Gulch Trail to descend. You will end up back on Sprint Ridge Trail along Corte Madera Creek, but this time you want to head toward the parking lot on Portola Road and Sausal Pond instead of going back up on Spring Ridge Trail.
There is a bathroom also at the parking lot on Skyline Blvd close by Windy Hill summit off of the Lost Trail, as well as restrooms at the Portola Rd parking area. There is no water, so bring plenty, especially on hot days.
You will want to start early, especially on weekends and holidays, as this is a very popular hike and the parking areas fill up fast. There is no shade on the Spring Ridge Trail, so wear sun protection. During hotter days, many people prefer to do this hike in reverse order, beginning with Hamm’s Gulch, so you are climbing in the shade instead of the sun.

Taking Children

5: Good for older children that can walk 7-8 miles with moderate uphills.


Sights to See


    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    1 year, 7 months ago
    Very, very green! Great hike, muddy in spots. Did this is reverse order. Wildflowers are beginning to bloom. There is a small creek crossing in the gulch, but definitely doable. Just take your time with it
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 1 month ago
    Great views from atop Windy Hill. Betsy Crowder Trail is one way outbound for Covid. I did not see other one-way trails.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    10 months, 2 weeks ago
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    1 year, 4 months ago
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    3 years, 5 months ago
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    3 years, 8 months ago
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    4 years, 2 months ago
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    4 years, 8 months ago
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    5 years, 5 months ago
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Public Tracks

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gdr3941 5 years ago
Windy hill loop
Go up hamm gulch, in trees
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jsmith 2 days, 19 hours ago
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roddymc 1 month, 4 weeks ago
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cfeetham 8 months, 3 weeks ago
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Petra Kinsman 8 years ago
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Jeff Aguero 9 years, 3 months ago
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vangie crump 9 years, 5 months ago
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BlueApocalypse 10 years, 4 months ago