Windy Hill Open
Space Preserve
is best known for its ridgetop Anniversary Trail, an easy stroll
with 360-degree views of the Peninsula, South Bay, and
Pacific Ocean from Windy Hill’s high, grassy summit.
Take the left fork in the nature trail, heading to Canyon Trail
in 0.3 mile. Turn right on wide Canyon Trail, walk 0.2 mile, and
then bear left on Bella Vista Trail. A wide single-track, Bella Vista
Trail climbs steadily but moderately, contouring along the grassy
hillside. Keep on the lookout for wildlife sightings—during the
autumn mating season, large herds of deer graze here, and coyotes
64 South Bay Accent
gallop across the grasslands.
After cresting the ridgetop, the trail passes through shady stands
of buckeye, oak, maple, and bay laurel. Careful observers might
want to examine the oak trees to see if they can identify their differences.
Most are valley oaks, but there are a few Oregon oaks,
too. In autumn, their acorns give them away (valley oak acorns
On the Lost
Trail at Windy
Hill Open Space
Preserve