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Windmill Pasture Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Altos Hills, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 250 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Windmill Pasture Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Windmill Pasture Trailhead
“Beautiful trail starts out on the cool valley and then becomes steep as it rises quickly up the ridge.”
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge is a 9.2-mile moderate to difficult level out and back trail. The parking lot at the trailhead is very small. There are only 8 or so spots available. There are no nearby areas where you can park and walk to the trailhead. So try to reach early in the morning to get the parking spot.
Beautiful trail starts out on the cool valley and then becomes steep as it rises quickly up the ridge. A viewpoint is reached about half way up. At the top it connects with other trails. Beautiful views and meadows with deer.
Great hike. It's about a mile uphill to the main "crossroads" up in the mountains with all the views.
Beautiful hike with sharp inclines and high elevation. Leads to Black Mountain.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful trail starts out on the cool valley and then becomes steep as it rises quickly up the ridge.”
“No parking available otherwise 5 star, have to come early to get parking”
“Beautiful trail starts out on the cool valley and then becomes steep as it rises quickly up the ridge.”
“Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge is a 9.2-mile moderate to difficult level out and back trail.”
Plan your run at Windmill Pasture Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance250 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteopenspace.org
- Phone(650) 691-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Los Altos Hills
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rhus Ridge Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 245 reviews
Black mountain known for its vistas, with steep climbs and trails for hiking and jogging.
Hidden Villa Hiking Trails
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Relaxed farm featuring hikes and an educational garden, plus kid-friendly trails.
Bob Stutz Path
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Byrne Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
Scenic pasture backed by wooded hills and rolling hills, with laid-back walking trails and wildlife.
Black Mountain Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
9.7 miles of oak- & chaparral-studded hiking track, with sweeping Bay Area views from the top.