Gone With the Windy

Watch a sunset at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley

02.10.2021
Man standing at Windy Hill and watching a fiery sunset at Windy Hill Preserve

You don’t have to trek far to enjoy a hiker’s high on the Peninsula’s Windy Hill Preserve. Its panoramic attraction—Windy Hill—is easily accessed via the 0.7-mile Anniversary Trail. And it’s magnificent at sunset.

When you reach the summit, spin to the 360-degree views. Windy Hill’s location, smack between the Pacific and Silicon Valley, makes it an ideal spot on a clear evening. You can watch the sun ignite everything from the ocean to Mount Diablo. The western views of the Santa Cruz Mountains look dusted in gold, followed by the sky shifting colors from burnt orange to hot pink. Sunsational!

Woman watching a sunset atop Windy Hill at Windy Hill Preserve on the Peninsula

TIP: For those who want a longer hike, followed by sunset viewing at Windy Hill, this 6.2 mile loop hike hits some high notes with views, with forest enjoyment too.

On Skyline Blvd. (Hwy. 35), drive about 2 miles south of Hwy. 84 (La Honda Rd.). The parking area and Anniversary Trail are on the east side of the road. Note: Prepare for potentially gusty conditions by bringing extra layers. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View