Windy Hill: Spring Ridge, Anniversary Loop

There are a few options to hiking Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Usually I would recommend parking in the lot on Portola Road, but because the preserve doesn't open until 30 minutes before sunrise, it's best to park up on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). There are two places to park up on Skyline, but the main parking lot is the easiest to spot and has picnic tables and a bathroom. If you're coming from the north, it will be on the left.

For your quick sunrise fix, head out on the Anniversary Trail (to the left from the main parking lot) and find a good hill to summit to watch the sunrise! There are some paths to the top but it may be necessary to go off trail just a little. Get to the top with plenty of time (maybe 30mins) before the scheduled sunrise to enjoy the show. Afterwards, if you want to get an actual hike in, continue along the trail until you reach the Spring Ridge Trail. Follow this down the ridge (it has some good view to the east and out into the bay) for almost two miles. Once you descend about 1000ft you'll reach a trail junction - take the Meadow Trail to the Hamms Gulch Trail and begin to climb. This is the most difficult part of the hike as you have to make up altitude, but it takes you through a much more foresty (and therefore shady) environment. After about two and a half miles you'll reach the top- from here just traverse along the ridge for half a mile until you return to the parking lot!

A few things to consider:

• Check the weather the night before! It would be a bummer to arrive and be surrounded by clouds. That being said, the bay is often filled with fog (especially during the summer) and the ridge is usually high enough to look out over it, which is a pretty cool experience.
• Look up what time the sun is supposed to rise you can time your trip accordingly.
• Alice's Restaurant is a great spot to grab a bite to eat afterwards. Just head north for about 5 mins on Skyline Blvd and it'll be on the left immediately after the intersection with 84.