Stanford Dish Loop Trail is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Stanford, California that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for walking and running and is accessible year-round.
Note: As of December 2020, this loop can only be hiked one-way due to COVID-19 restrictions. 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 - August: 6 AM-8 PM September: 6:30 AM-7:30 PM October: 6:30 AM-6:30 PM November - December: 6:30 AM-5:30 PM The route periodically closes for Red Flag Warnings. To see current information, please see https://dish.stanford.edu/ Accessibility: The trail is completely paved, smooth, and is typically at least five feet wide. The average grade is estimated at 4% but the path is hilly and there are two areas where the grade is steep and exceeds 12% (at 0.2 miles and 2.5 miles). Wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller users may require assistance due to the steep sections.
There is some parking available along Stanford Avenue and on the weekends some park at Nixon Elementary School.
January 13, 2021January 10, 2021Good view, no shade.
January 7, 2021Took 2 hours with my two six year olds that have to examine every rock and squirrel. Crowded, but nice.
January 7, 2021January 5, 2021has. nice views.
January 5, 2021January 4, 2021January 3, 2021January 3, 2021January 3, 2021January 2, 2021Very busy walk
January 2, 2021View of Stanford dishes, paved trail. Easy walk.
January 2, 2021Well paved road. Easy to walk
January 2, 2021Too many people , without a mask
January 2, 2021January 1, 2021January 1,2021 perfect clear skies and nice cool chill in the air. Very easy walk on a paved path. This trail is under security watch by Stanford Security. Parking is limited but available at no cost. No bikes allowed so it was really safe. Not much wildlife was out today. Everyone followed the COVID19 guidelines. Great location for families.
December 30, 2020December 28, 2020Urban trail providing a good workout. Parking is usually busy & it’s hard to find a spot. It’s our go-to trail in South Bay when we have nothing planned for the day.
December 28, 2020December 27, 2020December 26, 2020December 26, 2020December 25, 2020Good trail
December 25, 2020December 24, 2020December 23, 2020December 23, 2020Really exposed but nice paved workout
December 21, 2020Heavily trafficked even during the weekdays.Not the best trail during pandemic.
December 21, 2020
