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The Dish - Stanford Foothills
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
189 reviews for The Dish - Stanford Foothills
189 reviews in English
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Review from Pam H.
Redwood City, CA
1/8/2012
I can't believe that this was my FIRST time walking the Dish having lived here in Redwood City for 10 years!! I did attempt once with a friend and we could not get parking (was the typical 830am weekday summer day). Today was a beautiful Sunday WARM January day- and we went straight to the Elementary School & waited for parking. Didn't take too long.
My girlfriend and I met there and she is a seasonal walker - she walks to lose the holiday "pooch" or walks to get ready for the bikini season, but overall she is just a genetically thin person (b**tch) and doesn't have to work at staying thin most of the year. So she had just started power walking out near her house in Modesto this past week (New Years Resolution). She spends the weekends with her boyfriend who lives in Santa Clara, so The Dish seemed like a good half way point- plus it was the only mid point that i knew of. I failed to mention to her that it included hills. :) oops!
I walk all of the time and do hills all of the time- I love the challenge and the burn. Well, she had a hard time with it at times, but did manage to finish and it was just a spectacular day to be out walking. The paths are great, it's a loop, so no getting lost and the trail itself is approximately 3.5 miles. Given that we parked at the school and I had my runkeeper app on, we logged 4.47 miles start to finish. It was a great walk and some great gal pal time! -
Review from Audrey C.
Los Altos, CA
What a great local trail! I hadn't been up to the Dish in about 15 years, so it was great to go today for a hike. The weather today made it ideal to walk to Dish because of the beautiful clear view of the Bay. The last time I went was to watch 4th of July Fireworks. Because of how high it is, you can see fireworks from venues all around the Bay Area. Although I don't think you can hike up at night anymore.
During my walk, I found other walkers, runners and even photographers. This is a great place for people of all ages and abilities. There were groups of high school and college kids running, as well as some after work people walking (still in their business casual attire). The 3.5 mile loop that I started/ended at Stanford Ave took me roughly an hour. I felt a bit rushed because I showed up at 4pm and the entrance had a sign that they closed at 5. Although there was a park ranger, he didn't seem to make sure the walkers/runners were out by 5. I'm guessing they just closed the entrance by 5.
Some people prefer to take the loop clockwise, while others go counter clockwise. If you go counter clockwise, you end up going down the steepest hill (at the end), as opposed to starting by going up the steepest hill. Additionally, if you go counter-clockwise, you'll get a view of Moffett Field as you head back to the trail start. Either way, everyone goes at their own pace and is able to enjoy the scenery around them. Each turn and climb up/down offers a different view of the surrounding areas.
Also, there's plenty of free parking on Stanford Avenue. Just make sure that you read the signs, so you don't end up in a permit parking area or make a u-turn where you're not supposed to. They're quick to give tickets.
Now that it's stopped raining and the sun is staying out later, I can't wait to make this a weekly (or more frequent) ritual.Listed in: Hidden Treasures, Hikes
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Review from Julia A.
Mountain View, CA
11/29/2011
Some people are addicted to food. Others to drinking. For me, it's the Stanford Dish. When my friends won't pick up the phone, the Dish is still there for me. When my boyfriend dumps me, I can still make a lap around the Dish, teary eyed and all. It's my comfort food, my best friend, stress relief, and so much more.
The Dish is a 3.5 mile loop of hills and beautiful bay area views, a vastly open space with few trees and little to no greenery. It has a very communal feel, often packed with families, mom's running with strollers, friends catching up on a walk and couples holding hands. Tough workout, even if you just choose to walk, but very relaxing and calming at the same time. It's also very safe. I've yet to be attacked by a cow or a deer.
The only minor inconvenience I've experienced is parking, which can get difficult if you come during peak hours. One secret hidden gem is the elementary school nearby, where you can park effortlessly, but only during after school and weekend hours ofcourse.
Overall, I highly recommend the Stanford Dish because it will fulfill many of your needs. It's a great place to get in shape, reflect on life, gossip with friends and pretend to appreciate nature. Don't forget that it's a great date idea too! Trust me, I would know, I've brough several of my many, many dates here, and it works every time!
So have I convinced you yet? Yeah? Well then, get up and get out there. I'll see you soon! -
Review from Albert C.
Palo Alto, CA
2/8/2012
A trail that has it all. Awesome views, long-enough trail, and adequate hills that allow just about any type of physical fitness to be performed. Okay, maybe not tennis, but you can at least do some cartwheels, or even wrestle if u so choose - although I wouldn't advise it =). Okay, I'm so digressing here. I like to take interment runs of pacing and sprinting. There are some hills that seriously try you. Love the challenge! Walk, enjoy the scenic views, and be happy.
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Review from Jane T.
Palo Alto, CA
2/2/2012
A friend told me about this place and told me it was amazing but I feel as if it is just ok. Definitely worth giving a shot if you like running
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Review from Alex K.
1/16/2012
Holy Hell this place kicked my @$$! I'm super down though. If you want a challenge just try WALKING, I tend to go the opposite way of traffic because I get paranoid when people sporadically walk up behind me and pass me.... but the view is great! Definitely bring water, wear sunscreen, and prepare for a sore body! Don't bring your dog. And watch out for squirrels.
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Review from Claire W.
12/17/2011
Oh Stanford Dish - How can I add more to all the great Yelp reviews that have been said about you? I have come here to run and hike with dates and friends, old and new alike. Friends and dates come and go, but there you are as steadfast as ever can be. You never leave me or disappoint me. Now matter how far I have gone (hiking or running), I always come crawling back to you. Enough said.
Listed in: Best Hiking Spots
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Review from Allison M.
Palo Alto, CA
10/17/2011
Great (tough) place to run, especially if you're not used to hills. It's a loop, about 3.5 miles.
Closes at sunset, very hilly.
It is paved, though, so if you don't want the hard impact of asphalt, you have to run in the tiny foot-wide worn path right next to the pavement. -
Review from Daniel W.
San Jose, CA
8/16/2011
Its like that Movie, the Truman Show where you have the illusion of being free, but the fences, security guard and signs everywhere tell you otherwise.
Its hot
Bad parking
This might be a great place if you like running. I'm too fat to run.Listed in: Hiking Spots I have known
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Review from A. H.
Palo Alto, CA
9/14/2011
Long eared wild hare, hawks, scrub dear, chubby ground squirrels that chirp; The Dish has lots of fun stuff to look at while getting a great workout.
I take the first right off the Stanford road entrance so the up-hill is more interrupted. During the run, I usually hear at least three different languages being spoken -pretty cool. You also get some great views of stanford and the bay on the way down. -
Review from Tracy M.
Bay Area
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
When the weather is nice and cooperating, this is my favorite place to come and get a good workout. During the summer and spring time I try to come at least once a week. It normally takes me one hour, to walk the entire thing (not sure of the exact distance but it's somewhere between 3-4 miles). Love that there are hills throughout the route to get the heart rate going for walkers and runners alike. Beware on weekend mornings when the weather is nice and sunny, as parking can be difficult due to the large crowds (only street parking available all along Stanford Ave).
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Review from Jessica C.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love power walking / jogging through the easy (yellow) rolling hills of this asphalt trail, while listening to trance on my iPod, and seeing fat brown squirrels preparing for hibernation. It is a happy way to start your day, getting fresh air, sunlight, and lengthy, leisurely exercise. Absolute at least once a week MORNING routine for me during the warmer seasons...because any time past 10am, it gets hot as f*** up there especially since there are only like two patches of shade throughout the 3.5 mile trail.
Even if you just walk the entire trail, it's still a fulfilling stroll because of the softly varying inclines. Walking one round takes 1 hour, so make sure you don't drink a Venti cup of coffee right before. Sometimes I just walk up and down the first and second slopes in the beginning (which are the steepest) many times until I'm tired of it, for maximum butt toning.
Oh, and during peak hours when street parking is really hard to find, your 3.5 mile hike will become...who knows? -
Review from Julia T.
I am in love. I am lucky enough to be staying at a home that borders The Dish. I can literally walk out the back gate of the backyard & walk up onto the trail. It took me way over an hour to hike the whole thing. I plan on shaving at least 5 minutes of that time by the end of July. ;)
The weather is perfect, the views are beautiful, & walking this daily is going to shape my fat ass up for sure. By the way, people who run this are nuts, or at least have way smaller boobs than I do.
I am the broad that that old ladies are leaving in the dust. Wave at me as you go by. ;) -
Review from Lis B.
5/27/2011 ROTD 6/28/2011
A great paved path for running, walking and jogging. A few notes:
-Bring a jog stroller. You won't make it with a regular one.
-There is zero shade on the entire trail. Be aware.
-There is zero water on the entire trail. Be prepared.
-There is a cool "cow path" you can access from the main trail or from the trail leading up from Alpine Road
-Parking stinks.
Enjoy!Listed in: Reviews That Made the Cut
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Review from Chris M.
Palo Alto, CA
7/19/2011 4 photos
This place is a TREASURE! The Dish, located behind Stanford University, is a fantastic place to run, jog or take a leisurely walk.
I must admit that my first attempt to walk these trails revealed how out-of-shape I had become. The first hill from the main entrance at Junipero Serra Ave. and Stanford Ave. is a doozy. I actually had to take a few pauses in order to make it up the steep grade of the hill. Thankfully, that first incline is the most strenuous incline (if you start your walk/run by going NORTH), so you won't have much more difficulty.
Now, this is a good hike. The main trail will consist of about five miles. So, if you plan on running, bring a water bottle. Thankfully, the perfect Bay Area weather from the Pacific breeze and fronts that come over the Santa Cruz Mountains keeps the trail nice and cool.
If you are going to walk instead of run, I recommend that you bring a camera. On a good, clear day, you can see the ENTIRE Bay Area from these trails! Not only can you look down into Palo Alto, Stanford and Menlo Park, but you can even see San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose from these heights! You also get a great view of the San Francisco Bay surrounding mountains. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to photograph wildlife in the area.
If you live in or visit Palo Alto or the surrounding area, this is a great place to see it all! -
Review from Natalie L.
San Jose, CA
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a great workout. Lots of uphill walking (good for the tushie) and nice views of the city. There is little to no shade, mountain lion warnings and parking is a challenge. Bring water.
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Review from Kevin L.
Parking is terrible! But other than that, it's a great place to go for a run (or really, jog). Go clockwise and there are a few steep hills, but mostly downhill. Go counterclockwise and it's pretty much all uphill.
There's no shade though, so I usually go when the weather is moderate. It can get really hot during the summer. Excellent views of the Bay from the top! The loop is about 4 miles long, completely paved. Was here this morning and the breeze was excellent!Listed in: Review of the Day (s)
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Review from Josh O.
Redwood City, CA
8/7/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Awesome place for a walk in the Palo Alto/Stanford area!
I went here about once a month when I was in grad school at Stanford, and I felt I could relax my mind at The Dish though it was right next to campus. The walk is 3-4 miles long and takes 1-2 hours depending on your speed and such. There's a very steep elevation change at the start, which makes for a good workout
The views of the Bay from the top are great!
The only downside - a bee stung my forehead once at the bottom, ouch! -
Review from Alex K.
Denver, CO
8/7/2011
If I didn't have an irrational fear of mountain lions-- I would train here.
And maybe I would've given it 4 stars
Great loop length, trail designation, sweet panoramic views, and easily accessible--
Also, there are other reasons I awarded it only 3 stars---
-- its a paved path that goes up and down a hill, no matter which direction you go (starting at junipero serra drive)
-- The squirrels are getting a little squirrelly.
-- too crowded at pre/post-rushhour times -
Review from Athena S.
7/5/2011
5 stars easy. Great place to get your hike on.
Early a.m.s here on weekends aren't as busy as one would think. There's not too many strollers here early (no offense to those of your with kiddies) I just like a clear path sometimes. Granted, some of you with your jogging strollers are quite respectful of the path so I tip my Giants ballcap to youListed in: Favorite Non-Restaurants, Sweat here...
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Review from Tamara A.
Palo Alto, CA
9/6/2011
Great place to hike! Beautiful landscape and views. A nice loop so no need to backtrack. Hilly so good exercise. We had a great time. Bring your hat and your water.
Stanford Ave was full so we parked at Nixon El School. It was almost full too. Walked an extra .4 miles to get to the trail head but that is ok, just made the hike a little longer. -
Review from Kevin E.
Mountain View, CA
6/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
When it comes to hikes in Palo Alto, "The Dish" is probably the most infamous. I do like the dish, although as a more moderate to advanced hiker now I feel that it is a little overrated.
If you're looking for a casual yet highly aerobic hike, then the dish might be the 5-star experience for you. After one or two visits, you might get bored of it though. It is fully paved and offers a steep hill at the start of the hike. The entire loop should take you somewhere between 1 and 2 hours. You will see a tremendous number of underground dwelling rodents (ground squirrels?) out in the fields on the hills that pop up and look around.
Though, if you're looking for a strenuous hike that offers closer glimpses to nature such as waterfalls, lush green forestry, or lots of wild turkeys, this is certainly not the hike for you. It makes a great hike to offer to visitors from out of the area, but might leave you wanting something more interesting.
Challenge: If you can figure out what the flat round roof feature is half way around the loop is you'll spare me some confusion. Also, there is an entrance to an underground area another half a mile away from it where two roads lead to a fenced entrance. Sewage? Alien base? Place to lock up whiney naughty children? -
Review from Mona W.
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
A 3.5 miles trail (all paved) great for running/jogging. You will get a pretty good work out going up some of those steep hills. The Dish is usually pretty busy on the weekend but parking is not actually that terrible. There are no shades on this trail so make you sure put on some sunscreen. I wouldn't call this a scenic walk but I certainly like this outdoor gym. Bikes not allowed here, unfortunately.
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Review from Madam A.
El Granada, CA
7/27/2011
I love going for a hike at the dish! There's lots of trails and wild life. I've seen a few snakes up close and lots of deer in the distance. I wouldn't recommend being here after sun down though. The park ranger kicked my friend and I out once! He picked us up in his truck and drove us to the exit! Lol
Bring plenty of water and lots of sunscreen! -
Review from Anya R.
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is perfect for a good run. It has challenging hills and a new view. You get to see the huge "Dishes" It'll seem like aliens are there with you. :)
The hours varies depending on the year- don't want to be out there when there are wild animals out and about.
Its usually really busy so is rare that you park on Stanford and YOU ARE NOT allowed to make a uturn or you'll get a ticket. Go a bit further and park in the school and you are good to go.
Its a great place for a challenging stroll or a hardcore run. I have yet to run the entire 3 mile loop. I run up and then veer right.. the challenging would be to veer left and attack another big hill after the main hill.
Can't wait to come more during Spring/summer when hours are the longest! Check website to make sure they are open- they close off the gates half hour before it actually closes.Listed in: Get yourself out of the gym to…
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Review from William B.
Palo Alto, CA
10/16/2011
I wouldn't call it a premier hiking trail (it's paved!) but you get some awesome views of the peninsula and the Dish itself is quite cool-looking, kind of like something out of Goldeneye. I bet it will make an awesome running route.
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Review from Hooria T.
5/15/2011
I love going to the Dish on the weekends. It's a great way to get some exercise outdoors. It gets super crowded on the weekends but it's 4 miles of beautiful rolling California Hills. The first hill is a bit challenging and luckily the whole route isn't that hilly. Plus, I've seen Moms & Dads make it up with strollers so that means you can too! ;)
On a clear day you can get a full view of San Francisco and the entire Bay Area. It's truly beautiful.
Tips:
*Have patience because parking can be a bit challenging
*Direct sun exposure so dress accordingly and don't forget your sunscreen
*Great route to exercise with a friend so bring 'em along!
*No dogs allowed -
Review from Alice L.
Elk Grove, CA
10/25/2011
this is a great starter place for newbie hikers. the walkway is paved, it gets really hilly from the start, when you drive by and see the incline you don't think its too bad since it loops a bit but when you get to the top after climbing it, its really amazing how hilly it really is. depending on which route you take I guess its hillier than the other? I've only been on one route and it was super hilly but I can't confirm this for the other one.. the climb up is tiring even if you're walking it. 3.65 miles goes by quickly though since its just a loop and its paved so you don't really have to climb rocks or do anything extreme. you can see the bay and stanford from certain points of the hike. REALLY nice place to take pictures. a lot of family walk this together to get there and take pictures.
the thing that got me during this hike was ALL THE WILD ANIMALS! they have signs around telling you about the animals you might see in certain areas of the hike. -
Review from Kristel S.
Santa Clara, CA
4/24/2011
Great views of the Bay and the hills!
It's a short 3.5 mile loop of rolling hills, with the the hardest part at the very beginning which starts off your workout just right. I love coming here early on the weekend and depending on your mood, you can turn the workout into a hardcore training course for a 5K, or a leisure stroll with a friend.
Even when the sun is out, which is when the views are most beautiful, you get the breeze which cools you down during your run.
The Dish is a popular spot and you'll see families with their young kids walking here, as well as Stanford college students. Parking can be tight, and you definitely have to pay attention to the rules or you'll get ticketed!
My only con about this trail is that the ground is made out of asphalt, and not dirt or mulch =/. -
Review from Vanisi L.
San Jose, CA
12/25/2011
Absolutely GORGEOUS!! Fun, beautiful, open space, tough and lots of people to "motivate" you!! THE BEST hiking place in the Bay Area so far in my opinion!! It's a MUST!!
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Review from Raymond M.
San Jose, CA
4/21/2011
Stanford University's The Dish area is a private property paved trail for recreational use. Visitors walk or jog on the easy trail. Visitors get to view the Stanford dishes. Great views of Interstate 280, Palo Alto, and Stanford University. There are hills going up and going down easy for almost anyone. One part of the trail visitors get to view cows up close, but most likely don't want to get personal.
There are no picnic areas, benches, and water fountains. No pets, bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades. Bring plenty of water. Wear comfortable shoes, hats, and loose clothing. There is no shade along the trail. Stanford University provides security.
Give yourself about two hours for casual walk. -
Review from J L.
Redwood City, CA
6/28/2011
Great place to exercise. It's safe if you want to walk/run alone and great with friends as well.
Good inclines throughout the trail. It's not a nature trail with dirt paths or anything and there are no drinking fountains so come prepared.
Parking is not ideal on weekends - try to go off hours if you want to deal with less crowds. -
Review from Janet P.
Menlo Park, CA
2/20/2011
Gorgeous views and a conveniently paved trail. Suitable for all types of people - runners, walkers, skippers, dancers.
It's a great place to help you with your annual new year's resolution to "exercise more, and lose weight."
Finding parking during "peak" hours (dinnertime, right before sunset) is the only downside, but otherwise, what are you waiting for? Go! -
Review from Stephanie W.
Los Altos, CA
3/24/2011
To me the Dish is the perfect workout: a 3.5 mile loop with lots of little hills and a couple of doozies. It's paved so it's perfect when the hiking trails are muddy or even when it's raining. It's nice to walk, jog or even stroll. Nice views around the entire loop.
It's a little rough on sunny days if you're fair skinned like me. There is no shade, so use sunscreen if you want to avoid a nasty burn!
Lots of little critters have made appearances while walking the Dish: squirrels, bunnies, birds (including egrets/blue herons), snakes, coyotes and even cows.
It's super packed on nice days, but when it's sprinkle-y it's pretty dead. That said, on nice days it's Busy. All. Day. Long.
Parking stinks when it's good weather - but you can park at the school down Stanford Ave outside of school hours and trek the ~.3 miles back to the entrance.
No restrooms are available at this site, and there's only one drinking fountain (and it's out of plain view - near the bottom of the hill by the homes), so keep that in mind when planning your trek. -
Review from Nicholle B.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2011
TOUGH hills! Incredible cardio, great to walk, run, or a combo. I've been running this course every so often since I moved to the Bay Area and the views at the top are well worth the effort of the legs and lungs to get there. If you take the loop to the right, the challenging (seemingly neverending!) hill begins around 1 mile and continue until about mile 2. From there, it's rolling until the elevation begins to drop close to mile 3. The last quarter to half mile of the 3.5 are steeply downhill, so careful with the knees! I usually walk the last bit starting around 3.25.
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Review from Kathy W.
4/10/2011
It's nice to go for a nice run during the spring time without having to go too far. I like that the route is a circle; it's easy to determine how much you ran/walked. Also a good mixture of hills and flat land for a complete work out. At the higher elevations you can see the Stanford campus and the Dumbarton bridge.
Point: Great place for exercise, chatting with friends, and beautiful view. -
Review from Nana K.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011
People who live in the south bay area are so lucky. We are surrounded my nature and a myriad of hiking trails.
This is why I do not understand why the dish is so popular. It is always crowded, extremely sunny, and offers little choice of trails. When there are beautiful natural reserves and other parks to hike in nearby, why choose the dish? I understand that for some people it is convenient if they live/work at Stanford, but other than that, I don't understand why someone would go out of their way for the dish when there are so many more better options, such as Rancho San Antonio.
That being said, I haven't been there in a long time and feel like I should hike the dish again, and then update my review. -
Review from Ketan G.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/26/2011
Great place for a nice walk, I have been training here for my marathon, its in a great location and has paved roads perfect for any kind of a walker or runner.
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Review from Joanna S.
2/7/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Nothing else like this trail! I love coming here during the summer for runs. There's a wide variation of steepness in hills and it's scenic the whole way through. It's about a 3 mile loop and takes less than an hour to run/walk.
There's not much shade, so I recommend wearing a hat and bringing some water. Otherwise, it's such a good workout and it's so pretty the whole way. After you go up the first steep hill, you get a view of the whole bay. Then near the end of the loop, there are always tons of squirrels mining the fields for things to eat.
Get there early, it gets busy around 6 when people start to get off work! -
Review from Kate H.
Los Altos, CA
4/16/2011
Who needs a gym when the dish provides 3.5 miles of rolling hills? A great workout that never fails to get the heart pumping.
The only downside? The parking :(
