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Stanford Dish Loop

Stanford, California

4.4/5
based on 14 reviews

Details

Distance

3.67 miles

Elevation Gain

472 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jake Young

This challenging run is a quick escape if you're near the Stanford Campus. It's proximity to campus and Junipero Serra allow you to easily extend the run if you're looking for a little more distance.

If you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're left with finding parking along Stanford Avenue or the elementary school lot further down the street. Now once you've gotten all that taken care of, it's time to get your exercise on.

The Dish is entirely paved, so don't think that you'll have to bring your hiking shoes. Along this 3.3-mile stretch, there pretty much isn't any shade, so don't forget a hat and some sunscreen because the afternoon heat up here is brutal. In addition, you might want to bring a bottle of water as well, because I didn't see a water fountain until the 3 mile mark. With regards to views, it's actually not too bad. You get a nice little view of the Stanford campus, Palo Alto, and I guess of Highway 280 as well.

For those coming here to hike/walk, the difficulty level is actually pretty easy. Aside from a handful of higher inclined parts, it's a breeze. Now if you like to punish yourself like I do, then you're coming here to run the whole way. This 3.3 mile run, with the incline and declines, is definitely an endurance test. Couple that with the brutal heat without shade, and you have yourself a nice 45min to hour run. By the end of it all, your quads will scream in pain, but it is all worth it. What better way to get some cardio in, than to go for a nature run?

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Features

Fitness
Running
Scenic

Stanford Dish Loop Reviews

I try to run it every week.

Wear sunblock! There isn't any shade. Be on the lookout for hawks, deer, swallows, turkeys (!) and cows!

One of my favorite runs on the Peninsula. A tough short run either way you go with the hills. It can get toasty in the sun, so bring a hat and slather on the sunscreen. No bathrooms so make sure you go before you run. Great views of the surrounding area. Definitely check it out.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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