Visit Jasper Ridge
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve ('Ootchamin 'Ooyakma) invites you to engage with ongoing research, education, and stewardship by scheduling a visit or attending an upcoming event.
Before You Visit
Safety
Prepare for your visit by reviewing the safety guidelines.
Regulations
- Jasper Ridge trails are open to the public only through docent-led hiking tours
- Visitors must be 14 years or older
- Pets are not allowed, including service animals
- Food is not allowed on trails — please eat snacks at your car or the Field Station
- Smoking is strictly prohibited within the preserve
- Visitors who are not current Stanford students or staff must sign a waiver before accessing the trails
Getting to Jasper Ridge
Main Entrance: 4001 Sand Hill Road Woodside, CA
- Driving: ~20 minutes from Stanford’s main campus. Carpooling is encouraged.
- Rideshare: Drop-off and pick-up at the main gate— plan for a 5–10 minute walk to the Field Station
- Biking: 30–45 minutes uphill from Stanford with fast-moving traffic
- Public Transit: There is no public transportation to Jasper Ridge
- Stanford students: Transportation assistance is available. Contact us to learn more
Follow signs to Visitor Parking and the Sun Field Station
Educational Hiking Tours
Jasper Ridge offers public educational hiking tours aimed at introducing visitors to the natural history of the Santa Cruz Mountains and to ongoing research and stewardship projects. Tours are led by Jasper Ridge docents who have diverse areas of expertise
- Availability: October 1 – May 31
- Duration: 2 hours
- Trail Description: Tours typically cover 1.5 - 3 miles on singletrack trails and gravel roads with 100 - 500ft elevation gain
- Pace: Relaxed with regular stops for discussion and interpretation
- Weather: Tours occur during most conditions. Heavy rain or severe weather warnings will cancel a tour.
- Tours are offered free of charge. Donations are welcome to support Jasper Ridge’s education programs
For an academic or class tour, please use our class visit form. We ask that class visits submit requests at least 6 weeks in advance:
For more information on academic visits, please explore our education page:
https://jrbp.stanford.edu/education
Reserving Space at Jasper Ridge
Jasper Ridge provides a living laboratory for researchers from around the world, hands-on learning experiences for students, docent-led education for visitors, and vital natural habitat. Groups whose activities support or align with Stanford's research, education, and stewardship activities are welcome to reserve spaces at the Sun Field Station for retreats, events, and meetings. Review the Jasper Ridge Event Agreement for terms and responsibilities.
Spaces and Amenities
Classroom
Library

Free visitor parking
Stanford Wi-Fi
Restrooms
Docent-led tour (with advance notice)
Kitchen for full-service catering
Alternative Regional Parks and Open Spaces
Looking for more options? Consider these nearby public parks and open spaces for your next outdoor adventure.
- Stanford Campus Nature Walk: A self-guided podcast tour of plants, animals, and science art on the main Stanford Campus. Click here to start.
- Edgewood Park: Self-guided hiking or Friends of Edgewood Park provide family hikes and wildflower walks. http://www.friendsofedgewood.org
- Huddart Park: Reservable picnic areas, self-guided hiking, and Youth Nature Hikes. https://www.huddartwunderlichfriends.org/youth-nature-hikes
- Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District: Open to the public daily and free of charge, with many miles of trails. https://www.openspace.org/where-to-go/visit-a-preserve