Stanford Dish Loop
Stanford, California
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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Reviews
It's not a hike. It's a place to run and get in a quick workout. Very popular
3.0
The Dish is Stanford's favorite place to stretch your legs. The trails are crowded and offer nice elevation profile to get in some exercise.
3.0
This is great if you want a paved place to run that isnt a track. All trails lists it as a hike, but it's mostly for runners/walkers.
4.0
I really liked here, a lot of pretty easy uphills , no cars , no bike , so , you can feeling just your body and your mind ! So peaceful ! Thanks for the tip
5.0
Great run, approximately a 3 mile loop of a run. Pretty difficult going up hill. But worth it once you get to the top of the dish.
5.0
My family and I had a wonderful time hiking the Stanford Dish. The hike itself was not too hard -- there were some steep sections, but I saw toddlers doing fine alongside their parents. Overall, I highly recommend it!
5.0
Perfect little walking or running trail. Gets a little crowded on the weekends so parking and navigating through people can get difficult but definitely worth it!
A popular paved trail that is active and fun! It's currently closed thru Aug 16, 2015 for renovations. Just a heads ups!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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