Stanford Perimeter Trail

The Stanford Perimeter Trail is a multiuse path ideal for walkers, joggers and cyclists. The construction of the trail was paid for by Stanford University, and it is used by both campus residents and their neighbors. The trail is adjacent to Junipero Serra Boulevard, Stanford Avenue and El Camino Real/ State Route 82, connecting to recreational areas, schools, and residential neighborhoods.

Beginning at the intersection of Junipero Serra Boulevard with Page Mill Road, the wide, paved trail travels along the outside of the Stanford Dish Area, the recreational area in the foothills where the school's 150-foot diameter radio satellite dish is located. The perimeter trail passes by the entrance to The Dish's hiking only trail, a loop trail that features some steep inclines.

At Stanford Avenue, the trail pivots right. This segment features both hard and soft sidepaths, as well as on-street bike lanes for cyclists. This part of the trail connects to residential neighborhoods, and provides safe walking routes to school for students of Lucille M. Nixon and Escondido elementary schools.

The trail comes to the end of Stanford Avenue and emerges onto the shoulder of El Camino Real. The paved, off-street trail follows a tree-lined route along the busy roadway. The Stanford Stadium and sports complex, and a number of university-owned, publicly-accessible arboretums are located along the way. The trail ends at Quarry Road, at the Stanford Shopping Center.

At Page Mill Road, the Stanford Perimeter Trail meets the Matadero Creek Trail, which provides heady views of San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at the Stanford Shopping Center at Quarry Road and El Camino Real. On-street parking can be found on Coyote Hills Road. Park there and take the Matadero Creek north along Page Mill Road up to Junipero Serra Boulevard, where the Stanford Perimeter Trail begins.

Parking for the Dish can be found on Stanford Avenue near the Junipero Serra intersection. Please follow posted parking regulations.