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A trail that climbs from the Corte Madera Creek up the hills where views await.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

84%

Runnable

926' 282 m

High

630' 192 m

Low

296' 90 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Wildlife

The Windy Hill Preserve is open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset throughout the year.

Runner Notes

The trail does have some roots and rocks in it, but if you are looking for an uphill trail, it's relatively free of obstructions. The trail can be muddy after rain, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Description

The Meadow Trail begins close to the gate at Alpine Road and Willowbrook Drive in Portola Valley. Follow the road and cross Corte Madera Creek via a bridge that has a specific lane for pedestrians. Shortly after crossing the bridge, the Meadow Trail breaks off to the left and becomes a singletrack dirt trail that follows the creek for a little bit before breaking away to the right. The sound of the creek begins to fade as the trail begins to climb back toward the road. The trail cuts to the left when the road comes back into view. After going a short distance, the Meadow Trail cuts off to the right and climbs through a field that is surrounded by large trees. Deer and rabbits can be seen feeding in these fields in the morning and evening. After going through the field, the trail crosses the road and begins to narrow.

The trail continues to climb as a small side trail goes off to the right and meets up with the Spring Ridge Trail. It switches back and climbs a hill where views of the surrounding hills and homes come into view. The trail enters the woods with large trees bordering the trail and private property off to the lefthand side of the trail. Obstructed views off to the east can be seen through the trees, but there aren't a lot of great views through this section. The trail finally climbs several switchbacks before arriving at the junction with the Spring Ridge Trail. From here, you can return to your car via the same path that you climbed, or turn right and follow the Spring Ridge Trail back down the hill and take one of several trails that go off to the right and lead back to your car.

Flora & Fauna

Deer, rabbits, and various species of birds can be seen in the woods.

Various wildflowers can be seen in the open meadows and fields that line the trail in the springtime.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#32226

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#3,662

in California

#32,226

Overall
3 Views Last Month
221 Since Apr 23, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Deer feed in the meadows in the evening.
Apr 24, 2016 near Portola…, CA
The trail begins to enter a corridor lined with trees.
Apr 24, 2016 near Portola…, CA
Limited views of the San Francisco Bay come into view as the trail climbs.
Apr 24, 2016 near Portola…, CA
The Spring Ridge Trail as it drops back into the woods.
Apr 24, 2016 near Portola…, CA
A rabbit feeds by the trail in the evening.
Apr 24, 2016 near Portola…, CA
The trail ends at the junction with the Spring Ridge Trail.
Apr 24, 2016 near Portola…, CA

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