Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Running trails & routes
United States
California
Santa Clara County
Stanford

Stanford Dish Hiking Trailhead – The Dish loop from Stanford University

Routes
Running trails & routes
United States
California
Santa Clara County
Stanford

Stanford Dish Hiking Trailhead – The Dish loop from Stanford University

Moderate

4.9

(3315)

6,663

runners

Stanford Dish Hiking Trailhead – The Dish loop from Stanford University

00:54

8.27km

140m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: February 27, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.

After 2.51 km for 4.02 km

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

2.17 km

Stanford Dish Hiking Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

The Stanford Dish hiking area—named after the iconic radio telescope perched in the foothills—is one of the most popular outdoor spots near campus. The main entry point is at Stanford Avenue and Junipero Serra Boulevard, where you’ll find a wide gate, maps, and signage outlining the loop.

From the entrance, the paved trail climbs steadily into open grasslands, offering sweeping views of the Stanford campus, Santa Clara Valley, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The trail is open to walkers, runners, and hikers (no bikes or dogs), and is especially popular in the mornings and late afternoons. There’s no shade, so bring water and sun protection. Expect rolling hills, scenic vistas, and plenty of local wildlife.

Tip by

2

4.69 km

The Dish

Highlight • Trail

The Dish, or the Stanford Dish, is a huge, 150-foot-diameter radio antenna. Built in 1961 by the Stanford Research Institute, it is still in use by the university today and is a popular hiking destination. In addition to views of the Stanford Dish, you also get panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and, on clear days, the San Francisco skyline. The area is known for its wildlife, including various bird species, so be on the lookout as you explore The Dish.

Tip by

B

8.27 km

End point

Bus stop

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.12 km

108 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.70 km

2.20 km

263 m

108 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (150 m)

Lowest point (20 m)

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Saturday 9 May

20°C

10°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Nearby routes

Moderate

5.0

218

Stanford Dish Loop Trail

00:40h

6.12km

130m

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy