The Stanford Dish
The "Stanford Dish" is an open space owned by Stanford University in the foothills above Stanford. It is called the "Dish" because it is the site of a 150-foot-diameter radio telescope that was built in 1966 by the Stanford Research Institute. The Dish was originally constructed to study the composition of the atmosphere, but was later used to communicate with satellites and spacecraft. At one point, the Dish transmitted signals to each of the Voyager craft that NASA dispatched to the outer reaches of the solar system. It has also been used to remotely recalibrate ailing satellites orbiting the Earth.
The open space around the Dish offers approximately 5 miles of paved trails, including a popular 3.6-mile loop. The elevation ranges from about 200' at the entrance to 500' near the Dish, and on a clear day the views extend to San Jose, San Francisco, and the East Bay.
There are three gated trailheads to access the trails at the Dish. The main Stanford Ave gate is located at the intersection of Junipero Serra Blvd. and Stanford Ave, and parallel parking is allowed on Stanford Ave. The Gerona gate is near the intersection of Junipero Serra Blvd and Campus Drive, but there is no parking. The Alpine gate is on Alpine Road at Piers Lane, and there is roadside parking available. The trail from the Alpine gate intersects with the main loop trail near the Dish and adds about 2.2 miles and 300' of climbing to the loop.
The open space around the Dish offers approximately 5 miles of paved trails, including a popular 3.6-mile loop. The elevation ranges from about 200' at the entrance to 500' near the Dish, and on a clear day the views extend to San Jose, San Francisco, and the East Bay.
There are three gated trailheads to access the trails at the Dish. The main Stanford Ave gate is located at the intersection of Junipero Serra Blvd. and Stanford Ave, and parallel parking is allowed on Stanford Ave. The Gerona gate is near the intersection of Junipero Serra Blvd and Campus Drive, but there is no parking. The Alpine gate is on Alpine Road at Piers Lane, and there is roadside parking available. The trail from the Alpine gate intersects with the main loop trail near the Dish and adds about 2.2 miles and 300' of climbing to the loop.
The Dirt:
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Favorite Run #1: The Dish Loop (3.6 mi, 500' elevation gain)
This is the main loop around the Dish. The route described here starts from the main Stanford Ave gate and goes around the loop counterclockwise. There is parallel parking available along Stanford Ave. To start the run, cross over Junipero Serra Blvd. and head through the gate.
Note: You can also start the loop from the Alpine Road gate; however, this adds about 2.2 miles and 300' of climbing. GPX Track Printable Trail Map Driving Directions (Stanford Ave gate) |
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Route Details:
- 0.0 mi: Cross over Junipero Serra Blvd and head through the gate. You will climb briefly up to the Y.
- 0.2 mi: Turn right at the Y. The next mile is fairly flat.
- 0.8 mi: Pass the drinking fountain on your right.
- 1.1 mi: Veer left at the Gerona gate connector. You will climb for the next mile up to the Dish.
- 2.1 mi: Pass the big Dish. Just one more little climb!
- 2.8 mi: High point of the loop! Continue downhill back to the Y.
- 3.4 mi: Veer right at the Y to head back to the Stanford Ave gate.
- 3.6 mi: Back at the Stanford Ave gate. Cross over Junipero Serra Blvd to head back to your car!