Stanford Dish features a paved loop trail of approximately 3.7 miles. Panoramic views include the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and Stanford University campus. Suitable for hiking, walking, and running, the path provides a moderate workout with uphill slopes and rolling hills.
Multiple entry points exist, with the main gate on Stanford Avenue and another trailhead on Alpine Road. Limited parking is available, particularly near the Alpine Road entrance. The Stanford Avenue area before the turn to Junipero Serra is an alternative parking location.
The paved trail remains accessible throughout the year, even post-rainfall. Completion times for the loop are about 55-60 minutes at a brisk pace or 90 minutes at a leisurely pace. Entry times are specific and usually end at 6:30 PM, with a required exit by around 7 PM; these hours change with the seasons.
Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, raptors, and red-faced hawks can be seen in the area. Spring brings wildflowers. Support/service animals are the only pets permitted, and biking is not allowed. There are no restroom facilities or water sources along the trail.
The trail is a frequented spot at sunset and early evening. Despite its urban proximity, it provides a natural setting. Most of the loop lacks shade.
The Stanford Dish Trail
