Hours
- January: 6:30 am - 4:45 pm
- March: 6:00 am - 6:30 pm
- September: 6:30 am - 7:00 pm
- November - December: 6:30 am - 5:00 pm
- February: 6:30 am - 5:30 pm
- April - August: 6:00 am - 7:30 pm
- October: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
The schedule is adjusted monthly to closely match sunrise and sunset.
Events/Activties
Academic programs
The Dish itself is a radio telescope that is still in use. Other research and teaching programs also use the dish area.
Environmental Restoration
Stanford's Conservation Biology Program is directing a program of environmental restoration in the dish area, which includes use of native grasses and other plants.
Habitat Conservation
Portions of the dish area will be devoted to special efforts to enhance habitat for the California tiger salamander, including the development of new breeding ponds.
Recreation
The Dish is a popular recreational area for hiking and jogging and is open to the public from approximately sunrise to sunset throughout the year.
Before you go
Getting There
Catch many exciting Stanford Cardinal sporting events throughout the year, including football, basketball and baseball. o There are three gated entrances. Most visitors use the Stanford Ave. gate, located where Stanford Ave. intersects with Junipero Serra Blvd. Parking is allowed on Stanford Ave., but be sure not to park on the side streets where Stanford residential parking permits are required or you'll be ticketed.The Gerona gate is near Campus Dr. and Lake Lagunita, but there is no parking. The Alpine gate is near Interstate 280 on Alpine Rd. at Piers Lane. The trail from the Alpine gate intersects with the main loop trail near the big dish and adds about a mile and a half to the full loop