WEEKLY

                                     By Tom Davids                   

On a Clear Day

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

"Who walks with beauty has no need to fear; the sun and moon and stars keep pace with him; invisible hands restore the ruined year, and time itself grows beautifully dim."

                                                                                                David Morton

Directions: From Skyline Boulevard: Windy Hill is on the east side of Skyline Boulevard two miles south of Highway 84 (La Honda Road). From: Alpine Road: Take Alpine Road west from I-280. Proceed one mile west of Portola Road. Park on or near Willowbrook Drive.

Special Conditions: Dogs on leash are allowed on designated trails. Watch for poison oak at trailside. All trails except the Anniversary Trail permit hikers and equestrians. Spring Ridge Trail also allows bicyclists. Watch for ticks, and avoid them by staying on trails. Picnic tables are located at the parking area on Skyline Boulevard. No water or restrooms.

 

            If you've lived on the Peninsula for any period of time, you've seen Windy Hill. It's the grassy hilltop overlooking Portola Valley and the dominant topographical feature along Skyline Ridge. Late winter and early spring is a fine time of the year to hike Windy Hill. The recent rains have turned the grass bright green on the Spring Ridge Trail. Seasonal streams are flowing along ravines intersecting Lost Trail. Wildflowers are beginning to show their colors everywhere, and between rainstorms, the clear panoramic views are priceless.

            The wind is often less this time of the year, but come back during the summer and fall for near-perfect kite-flying conditions. Portions of Windy Hill have been reserved for non-motorized, radio-controlled model gliders, which are fun to watch even if you're not into the sport.

            There are several interesting and challenging trails in the Windy Hill Preserve. The three-quarter-mile Anniversary Trail, located off Skyline Boulevard, gradually ascends, then traverses the east side of the Windy Hill Knobs. At an elevation of 1,900 feet, you will, on a clear day, see forever. These knobs are treeless and this time of year are covered with lush green grass. Two benches located in the saddle between the two knobs offer a great spot for rest and reflection.

            The Bay Ridge Trail System (which will someday circle the Bay Area with 400+ miles of trail) includes the Lost Trail and the Anniversary Trail for a total distance of 3.5 miles (seven miles roundtrip). This trail section connects Windy Hill gate number 1 and gate number 3, with parking available at both gates. It runs parallel to Skyline Boulevard, but is well removed from any traffic noise. The grade is moderate and the terrain widely varied from grassy slopes at Windy Hill to dense forest along the 1.7-mile old farm road, now known as Lost Trail.

            As you walk Lost Trail, picture 10-foot diameter redwood trees that covered the ridge 150 years ago. Most of the trees you see today are second growth Douglas firs and redwoods--their predecessors having provided wood for building activity up and down the Peninsula many years ago. Also watch for a rusted-out wheelbarrow chained to a tree, a symbol of how we used to keep the farm roads clear.

            If you want a challenging bike ride or a place to walk your dog, try the Spring Ridge Trail. This is a two-mile trail through the grassy slopes connecting gate number 1 with gate number 6. Starting from the bottom, park at the Willowbrook Drive staging area and from the top, at gate number 1 on Skyline Boulevard. The elevation gain for this trail is 1,120 feet. With the grass green and wildflowers in bloom, now is the best time to hike the Spring Ridge Trail

            Last month my wife Veralyn and I did the Windy Hill Loop, starting at gate 6, up the Spring Ridge Trail to gate 1, then south along the Anniversary Trail and Lost Trail to gate 3, and returning by Razorback Ridge trail. We took 3.5 hours for the nine-mile hike with a brief stop for lunch.

            For a quick 360-degree view of the Bay Area, or for an all-day hike, this high point on the western horizon will beckon you back again and again.