The best gravel rides in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers a good selection of gravel bike trails. There are 9 routes documented on komoot, ranging from moderate to difficult, providing diverse options for your ride.

You can expect diverse terrain, transitioning through open grassland ridges, lush oak woodlands, and forests of redwood, fir, and oak. Some trails are mostly paved, while others offer challenging climbs and varied surfaces. The preserve is known for its distinctive, breezy, grass-covered hilltop.

Yes, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve caters to various fitness and skill levels. The trails range from moderate to difficult, with elevation gains up to 3,000 feet, ensuring options for those seeking a good workout as well as less strenuous rides. For example, the Old La Honda Road – Portola Road loop from Portola Valley is a moderate option, while the Old La Honda Road – West Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley is considered difficult.

Bicycles are restricted to designated trails only, with a 15 mph speed limit (5 mph when passing). It's important to note that e-bikes are generally not allowed on most Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District trails. Additionally, some specific trails like Betsy Crowder, Razorback, Lost, and Hamms Gulch are closed to bicycles year-round.

The preserve offers breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Stanford University, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days, especially from the Windy Hill Summit and upper portions. You can also visit Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Scenic View. Sausal Pond is another significant attraction, home to various wildlife and offering scenic picnic areas.

While the preserve offers multiuse trails, many gravel routes feature significant elevation gains and are rated moderate to difficult. For family-friendly options, it's best to check individual route descriptions for flatter sections or shorter loops. The preserve's general trail system is multiuse, but specific gravel routes might be challenging for younger riders.

Spring is particularly beautiful, as the open grassy meadows are adorned with wildflowers. Clear days offer the best panoramic views of the Bay Area and Pacific Ocean. The preserve's namesake 'Windy Hill' suggests it can be breezy, so checking weather conditions is always advisable.

Yes, certain trails are closed to bicycles year-round. These include Betsy Crowder, Razorback, Lost, and Hamms Gulch trails. Always ensure you are on designated multiuse trails open to bikes.

The preserve has various access points, including trailheads in Portola Valley. Parking is typically available at these designated trailheads. It's advisable to check specific trailhead information for the route you plan to ride to confirm parking availability and any potential fees.

The komoot community frequently praises the diverse terrain, from open grasslands to lush woodlands, and the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and beyond. Riders appreciate the variety of routes catering to different fitness levels and the sense of isolation despite the preserve's proximity to urban areas.

While popular, the preserve spans over 1,300 acres, offering many miles of trails. To find less crowded routes, consider exploring some of the less frequently mentioned trails or visiting during off-peak hours, such as early mornings on weekdays. The White Oak Trail – Bella Vista Trail loop from Los Trancos Open Space Preserve might offer a different experience.

The preserve is located near Portola Valley, which offers local amenities. You can find cafes and other eateries in Portola Valley for refreshments before or after your ride.