The best hikes from bus stations in Foothills Open Space Preserve

Kite Hill Park is a lovely, low-key stop during your ride. Nestled in a small residential area, it features open grassy slopes—ideal for a quick picnic. You can also follow dirt paths that lead to the top of the small hill for a nice view.

The Stanford Dish hiking area—named after the iconic radio telescope perched in the foothills—is one of the most popular outdoor spots near campus. The main entry point is at Stanford Avenue and Junipero Serra Boulevard, where you’ll find a wide gate, maps, and signage outlining the loop. From the entrance, the paved trail climbs steadily into open grasslands, offering sweeping views of the Stanford campus, Santa Clara Valley, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The trail is open to walkers, runners, and hikers (no bikes or dogs), and is especially popular in the mornings and late afternoons. There’s no shade, so bring water and sun protection. Expect rolling hills, scenic vistas, and plenty of local wildlife.

The Stanford Dish Trail parking area off Alpine Road (near Piers Lane and just west of Junipero Serra Boulevard) serves as a quieter but still well-used western entrance to the Dish hiking area. This access point offers a small parking lot and connects directly to the Dish loop’s rolling, paved trails. From here, you’ll begin with a gentle incline through open hillsides, quickly gaining elevation and views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s a scenic entry with fewer crowds than the main Stanford Avenue gate. Like the rest of the Dish area, it’s open only to walkers, runners, and hikers—no dogs, no bikes. Come prepared for sun exposure and some steep grades.

The stretch of Stanford Avenue from Bowdoin Avenue to El Camino Real is a flat, tree-lined corridor ideal for a relaxed jog or warm-up before hitting the hills. It runs along the southern edge of Stanford’s main campus, offering wide sidewalks, light traffic, and shade from mature trees—especially pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon. This segment is about half a mile long, making it perfect for intervals or as part of a larger loop. You’ll pass a mix of residential homes and quiet academic buildings, with clear views toward the Santa Cruz Mountains. At El Camino Real, cross safely to loop into the Stanford campus or head downtown for a longer urban run.

A sculpture made by Augustin Rodnin

The Main Quad and Memorial Court are part of Stanford University's academic preserve. Memorial Court features The Burghers of Calais by Auguste Rodin, from the largest Rodin sculpture collection outside Paris.

The Dish, or the Stanford Dish, is a huge, 150-foot-diameter radio antenna. Built in 1961 by the Stanford Research Institute, it is still in use by the university today and is a popular hiking destination. In addition to views of the Stanford Dish, you also get panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and, on clear days, the San Francisco skyline. The area is known for its wildlife, including various bird species, so be on the lookout as you explore The Dish.

The 3.4-mile Stanford Perimeter Trail is a popular mixed surface multi-use path open to walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Stretching from Junipero Serra Boulevard to Quarry Road, it winds around the south and east sides of the Stanford campus, and connects recreational areas, schools, and residential neighborhoods. Funded by Stanford University, the trail offers a safe commute for students at local K-12 schools and a traffic-free way to get to regional biking and hiking routes.