Stanford Dish Area

 

Other than city parks, county parks, state parks and beaches, here is another kind of place you can hike. The Dish is a special area to both Stanford and the surrounding communities, and it serves many purposes. (link to Stanford website)

We park on the Stanford Ave off Junipero Serra Blvd. Limited parking space, so you would want to come early. So wait a bit, there would be people leaving. Cross the Junipero Serra Blvd is the gated trailhead. The area map provides a good view of the area. We are at L1 now, follow the blue, you can choose clockwise or count clockwise. Total length is about 6KM. There is no shed thoughout the trail. Can't imagine it would be like in the summer.

To begin with is the uphill. Saw people running (slowly).

Once you come up to the hill, you can see the Stanford campus from a distance.

Turn to the other side, the 1st dish shows up. And not too far away, the 2nd dish (top of the page).

If you take the yellow path (ref to the map), you can reach the Pumpkin Patch at Webb Ranch.

Continued on, you cae see the Stanford Golf Course.

Mark on the pavement show you how far you have hiked.

Overall, it is a nice trail. With many up and down hills, provide you with enough exercise while enjoying scenic view. Bike is not allowed. You won't need to worry about cyclists. They are blocked outside the gate. Since very limited shades, come early in the morning to avoid the heat.