Stanford Dish Loop Trail is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Stanford, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
wheelchair friendly
kid friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
trail running
walking
views
wild flowers
wildlife
no dogs
The Stanford Dish loop is a popular route for Stanford University students as well as Silicon Valley professionals. The area is named after the large radio telescope that can not be missed. Its steep paved trail is suitable for running, walking, and hiking. Bicycles are not allowed. Opening hours vary depending on the month of the year: January 6:30 AM-5:30 PM February 6:30 AM-6 PM March 6 AM-6:30 PM April 6 AM-8 PM May 6 AM-8 PM June 6 AM-8 PM July 6 AM-8 PM August 6 AM-8 PM September 6:30 AM-7:30 PM October 6:30 AM-6:30 PM November 6:30 AM-5:30 PM December 6:30 AM-5:30 PM
Nice, beautiful open trails with stunning views and ground squirrels abound. Mind the hours since they lock it up dusk until dawn and avoid it in the midday during summers since there isn't a lot of shade.
Rachel Rae M.
Spacious paved walkway with stunning views of the bay. There's no bathrooms available so be sure to void before taking a 4 mile walk.
Steep (for this 69-yr old!) climb from the gate but after one has conquered that, the views are breathtaking. The asphalt trail cushions each step. As others have mentioned, use bathroom before starting hike & take H2O.
Easy hike to complete in 1-1.5 hrs. Bring water because the trail is very exposed with little shade. The views are great and on a clear day, you can see the Bay Bridge and downtown San Francisco.