Windy Hill Preserve: Deep Canyons and Razorback Climb

➤ Hike Description: An 8.6-mile trek through Windy Hill Preserve, with a 1,450-foot elevation gain. Instead of the exposed summit, we'll dive into the heart of the preserve via the Hamms Gulch Trail. With 90% on single track and 10% of the time on double-track fire roads.

Windy Hill OSP holds the distinction of being the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's (Midpen) very first acquisition in 1973. This makes it the foundational site for the entire Midpen system that now protects over 65,000 acres in the region.

The hill's distinctive, treeless, grassy top is not due to grazing, but to the serpentine soils prevalent in the area. These nutrient-poor soils restrict the growth of redwood and fir forests, creating a unique, visually striking landscape of rolling grasslands that transition dramatically into dense forests below.

Our return trip is a rewarding climb up the aptly named Razorback Ridge Trail, providing a sustained workout and intermittent peek-a-boo views of the valley as we gain elevation. This route offers a fantastic contrast between the shady riparian canyon floor and the sunnier, higher ridge.

➤ Post-Hike Celebration: We invite you to join us after the hike for a festive tailgate potluck gathering at the picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot. Come trade trail stories, and good company atop a windswept Santa Cruz Mountain ridge.

➤ Route: From the Windy Hill Parking Lot → Lost Trail (0.9 mi) → Hamms Gulch Trail (2.1 mi) → Eagle Trail (0.8 mi) → Razorback Ridge Trail (2.4 mi) → Lost Trail (2.4 mi) to trailhead parking lot.

You can view or download the route at GAIA GPS.
Online Park map at: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space

➤ Restrooms: A vault toilet is available at the trailhead. There is no potable water.

➤ Exposure: The route is approximately 90% shaded under mixed oak and redwood forest 10% exposed along open hillside trails. Be prepared for variable weather. See the weather forecast on Weather Underground.

➤ Cell Phone Coverage: Expect limited coverage throughout.

➤ Directions/Parking: We meet at the Windy Hill picnic area parking lot, 2.3 miles south of the junction of state routes 35 and 84 on SR35 (Skyline Blvd). Parking is along both sides of SR35 and is free. Look for the dark gray 4Runner.

GPS Coordinates:
37.3615804, -122.2472679 or 37°21'41.7"N 122°14'50.2"W

View trailhead location on Google Maps or Apple Maps

➤ Attendance Requirements: This is a Sierra Club backcountry outing requiring a completed paper Outings Medical Form (downloadable here) and signing a participation agreement at the trailhead.

➤ Park website: Windy Hill Preserve

➤ Bring: Medical form completed, lunch, water, a sit-upon for lunch, warm layers and poles if you use them, sun protection, and a sparkling personality for potluck if you’re staying.

➤ Safety: A safety meeting will be held before the hike begins. The nearest EMS is located at San Mateo Fire Station 58, 2.4 miles north on CA35. In case of emergency, call 911.

➤ Sierra Club Guidelines: We encourage responsible hiking practices, adhering to Leave No Trace principles to minimize our impact on the environment. Neither vaccinations nor masks are required. If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, are sick, or have recently tested positive for COVID, please stay home.

These hikes are sponsored by the Sierra Pathfinders an outings section of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter. We encourage you to join the Sierra Pathfinders if you are not a member. For a list of all hikes offered by Sierra Club's Loma Prieta Chapter, please visit the online calendar.