How Many Miles Is Stanford Dish Hike? Discover The Scenic Route!

The Stanford Dish hike, situated near Stanford, California, USA, spans a distance of approximately 3.8 miles (equivalent to around 9,000 steps). As you traverse this trail, you’ll encounter an elevation gain of approximately 574 feet, making it a medium-level challenge. If you’re eager to explore more walking trails in your vicinity, you can discover them conveniently using the Pacer App.

The Stanford Dish, a remarkable 150-foot-diameter radio telescope situated in the picturesque Stanford foothills, was proudly completed during the 1960s. This monumental engineering endeavor arose through a collaborative partnership between the Stanford Research Institute (now known as SRI International) and the U.S. Air Force. The primary purpose of constructing this impressive structure was to investigate and analyze the scattering properties of Earth’s ionosphere. To put it simply, the diameter of the Stanford Dish measures 150 feet, making it a pivotal instrument in the study of Earth’s ionosphere and its interactions with radio waves.

Can you bike at the Stanford Dish? Yes, you can enjoy biking at the Stanford Dish area during its open hours, which vary with the season, typically spanning from early morning (around 6 or 6:30 a.m.) to early evening (around 5:30 to 8 p.m.). However, it’s important to note that bicycles and dogs are not permitted within the Dish area. To ensure the safety and compliance of visitors, Stanford has security staff stationed at a gatehouse located at the main entrance on Stanford Ave., and they also conduct regular patrols along the trails.