Run the Stanford Dish
Details
Distance
3.3 miles
Elevation Gain
352 ft
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
Leave a ReviewWorkout session
It's not a hike. It's a place to run and get in a quick workout. Very popular
3.0
Nice open space in the heart of Palo Alto
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
Running
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
Amazing Spot To Run!
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 trip
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
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