The best MTB trails in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
4.8
(91)
1,069
riders
48
rides
Mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers a diverse network of trails across varied topography. The preserve features a distinctive grass-covered hilltop, open grassland ridges, and dense forests of redwood, fir, and oak. Riders can navigate through oak woodlands and sweeping grassy meadows, with some routes providing panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas. The terrain includes both fire roads and single-track options, catering to different riding preferences.
Best mountain bike trails in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Old Ranch Trail β White Oak Trail loop from Portola Valley, a 24.2 miles (38.9 km) trail that takes 4 hours 33 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain through varied forest and open terrain.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Borel Hill loop from Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, a difficult 11.9 miles (19.1 km) path. This loop offers a mix of climbs and descents, providing views from elevated points within the preserve.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Bowl Loop Jumps β Arastradero Lake loop from Portola Valley, a 19.6 miles (31.6 km) trail leading through woodlands and open spaces, often completed in about 2 hours 8 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is defined by grass-covered hilltops, open grassland ridges, and dense forests. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 1,400 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Windy Hill Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
(4)
42
riders
38.9km
04:33
1,080m
1,080m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
22
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
riders
27.0km
03:03
750m
750m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
3
riders
68.6km
06:50
1,780m
1,780m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(7)
37
riders
28.0km
03:23
650m
650m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Popular around Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Other adventures in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
From up here on the ridge you get great sweeping views across the foothills. On a clear day you can see out west to the Pacific Ocean.
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The Ancient Oaks Trail is a 1.7-mile loop that can be extended to approximately 3.5 miles by combining it with the Ridge or Charquin trails. It leads hikers through canyons, forests of live oaks, and grassy ridges with views from the Diablo Range to the Pacific Ocean. Come during the blooming of wildflowers and watch the hillsides transform color.
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Borel Hill is my favorite place to watch spring flowers. The western slope near ancient oaks (5-10min west of Borel Hill) are covered with orange California Poppies and purple flowers starting in April. Borel Hill itself peaks around mid May and has a wide variety of flowers. The show lasts only a few weeks until end of May. The peak time and flower intensity varies from year to year, so come several times between April and May. There is small summit NW of Borel Hill and a narrow dirt trail leads you to a rock within 2 min. The rock is big enough for 2-3 to sit on. On a sunny day, the rock is nice warm even if the air is cold. Good views on the ocean and the Bay.
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Here, the Steve's Creek Nature Trail and the Canyon Trail intersect. A lovely patch of grass surrounds the junction, making it an ideal spot for a break.
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Russian Ridge is an incredible 3,137-acre preserve that boasts a rich diversity of plants and wildlife, steep forested canyons, and grasslands, with abundant wildflowers in the spring. The open ridge tops provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Bay Area, and the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most scenic preserves in the area to enjoy a picturesque ride.
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This beautiful small lake is a picturesque, quiet, tranquil spot with blue-eyed grass surrounding the shoreline in early spring. It is a great spot to bring a picnic basket, sit and enjoy the peaceful setting while listening to the birds in the trees.
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This spot has a lovely wooden platform with a bench where you can take a break and enjoy the panoramic views of the Silicon Valley side of Mindego Hill, which is below you. The classic windmill is up the hill to your left.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers a network of over 40 mountain bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring a diverse riding experience.
What are the different difficulty levels for mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
You'll find a good mix of trails, with 12 easy, 16 moderate, and 13 difficult routes available. This variety allows riders of all experience levels to find suitable challenges.
What natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see while mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is known for its distinctive, often breezy, grass-covered hilltop, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Stanford University, Mount Tamalpais, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days. You can reach the Windy Hill Summit for these expansive vistas. The Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Scenic View also provides excellent photo opportunities. Additionally, you'll ride through diverse ecosystems, including oak woodlands, sweeping grassy meadows, and dense forests of redwood, fir, and oak.
Are there many loop trails for mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve are loops. For example, the Old Ranch Trail β White Oak Trail loop from Portola Valley is a popular option, as is the Borel Hill loop from Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, offering varied terrain and views.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is open from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful, with sweeping grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. The cooler months might offer clearer views, but always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, the preserve offers 12 easy mountain bike routes that are suitable for families. These trails typically feature less challenging terrain and elevation, making them enjoyable for riders of varying skill levels within a family group.
Can I bring my dog mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
While the preserve is generally dog-friendly for hikers, specific regulations apply to mountain biking with dogs. It's best to check the official Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website for the most current rules regarding dogs on trails, especially for mountain biking activities.
Where can I find parking for mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Parking is available at designated areas within the preserve. The Spring Ridge parking area is a convenient option, offering access to trails and providing visitor amenities like restrooms and picnic tables.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy the most about mountain biking in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse topography, the blend of open grassland ridges and dense forests, and the stunning panoramic views from elevated points.
Are there any advanced mountain bike trails for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 13 difficult mountain bike routes. Trails like the Indian Creek Trail β Arastradero Lake loop from Los Trancos Woods offer significant elevation gain and technical sections to test your skills.
Are there any amenities available at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, the preserve provides restrooms and picnic tables, conveniently located near the Spring Ridge parking area. These facilities are available for visitors to use during their time in the preserve.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is home to a rich array of wildlife. Common sightings include California mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species like white-tailed kites and California quails. While mountain lions inhabit the area, bobcats are more frequently encountered, along with rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, and banana slugs.
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