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Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Rating Details »
Skyline Boulevard, 4 miles South of 92
Woodside, CA 94062
Woodside, CA 94062
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
We went hiking in Purisima Creek Redwoods on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend with a group of eight. Starting at the Purisima Creek Road entrance near Half Moon Bay, we took the Purisima Creek Trail. This rose gradually through the shade of the redwood trees, making for a nice, cool morning stroll. Along the way, we saw a California giant salamander and several cool banana slugs. After about two miles, we cut over on the Soda Gulch Trail for about 2.5 miles, then two miles down the Harkins Ridge Trail to end up where we started. Except for part of the Soda Gulch Trail, we were under the redwoods and in the shade for most of the hike. Soda Gulch Trail starts to do some fairly steep climbing just as you leave the canopy of the redwoods. It's switchback through scrubby-chapparal vegetation and there's not much shade, so you do the hardest part of the hike out in the sunshine. However, since you're only a few miles from the Pacific, the air is usually cool and breezy. It's all relative, depending on where you come from, I guess!
The scenery was quite beautiful and serene. This is one of the more beautiful local parks that I've been to and I'm definitely going to return.
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This is by far one of the most beautiful places to go hiking. If you're looking for varied ecosystems, check it out: mountain sides, forests, redwood forests, creeks, et al. The weather here can be a little tricky as it is on the west side of the mountains and directly faces the ocean. I would always recommend bringing a pullover to be on the safe side. For instance, it can be 80 degrees in the Bay, and a lovely 65 degrees here with rain and mist from the fog rolling in over the mountains.
For some of the better trains, I would actually recommend the trails where I go running. It's about a 10 miles loop and takes 90 minutes to run and between 3.5 to 4 hours to hike. If you can time it right, make sure you are coming back up the mountain in time for sunset as it is gorgeous.
My run includes: North Ridge Trail, Whittemore Gulch Trail, Purisima Creek Trail, Soda Gulch Trail, and back up Harkins Ridge Trail to North Ridge.
I would say this is by far one of the best hidden gems in the Bay that I have discovered thus far. Do expect to encounter wildlife, just not a lot of it. So far I've seen the likes of coyotes, deer, snakes, quail, lizards, slugs, and bobcats (no mountain lions, thank goodness).
For those of you who enjoy horseback riding and mountain biking, this is pretty decent, but it certainly isn't more of your arduous trails one can find. Usually elevation changes ranges from 400' to 2000' above sea level.
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Open air.
Open mind.
Good place to dispel bad vibes and bad people.
Add in the start scene to Righteous Kill where Pacino and De Niro are emptying their cartridges into the moving targets.
Open. Good and the perfect exercise to stave off parts of stress due to dating issues.
Purisima Creek Redwoods offers such an escape for the avid hiker who enjoys wide spaces, the large expanse of redwoods and the occasional millipede that decides to truffle along our path (it was a flat-backed millipede) or tempting the natural within, by climbing down to the creek to be rewarded with sightings of salamanders, caddis fly larvae, water skippers and lots of other organisms thriving amongst the dense overgrowth.
The trail is simple, steady downhill by means of rounded switchbacks. The redwoods offer lots of shade and quiet, including hiding spaces for the banana slug peeking at us. The walk back is mostly uphill, so be prepared to be well rested prior to the return. Like Steve N. mentioned in his review, the climb back is definitely more of a slow burn. I think I passed out the minute I returned.
Great trail, tricky to access due to the narrow road and parking near the start of the trail is probably limited to perhaps four cars total.
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this hike was so pretty we went twice this 3 day weekend!
on saturday we arrived at 8:30am. we were the only car parked in the lot. we started off on the harkins ridge trail. although it was only 2.1 miles.. the 600m change in elevation was tough for me. we came down the bay area ridge trail and the soda gulch trail. and made our way back on the purisima creek trail. we made it back at 11:45 i think.
going up the harkins ridge trail was the toughest part of the hike. then it was all downhill from there.. literally. the rest of the trails were too easy and i felt like i was cheating. the views and scenery was so pretty.. the pook decided not to bring his camera and regretted it. so what did we do? we went back today!
this time we started on the purisima creek trail. nice and easy. went went up the soda gulch trail and bay area ridge trail. we went up the harkins ridge trail until we reached private land and turned around. instead of doing a loop we went out and back so we could stop and take pictures. there was a lot of shade along the way so it made it much easier. there was fog on saturday and sun today but because its so close to the coast it was nice and cool.
go early early early! today we arrived at 8am and there were already 2 other cars there. the trail was empty both mornings.. but by the time we were on our way back (10:30-11a) a ton of hikers and bikers were on their way up. the best part of this trail is hearing nothing but your feet crunching the leaves on the ground, the birds chirping, and the water from the creek. no cars.. no planes.. just nature at its best. because there were so many ppl today we had to stop and stand to the side so we would not get run over.
by far our favorite trail. now if only we could have it to ourselves the entire way. greedy... i know. but after you see it for yourself you'll understand why!
ps. dogs and swimming are not allowed. damn.. now i cant take my future dog swimming here.. bummer...
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Just discovered and it's really nice. Be sure to do a hike that encompasses the Craig Britton trail which is 2.5 miles of mostly flat meandering along a ridge under shady redwoods with some good views at the North end. I entered from the west at the turnoff south of 1/2 Moon Bay. Really enjoyed. Mountain biking looks like it would be fun on some of the fireroads, but the return uphill looks painful to impossible, similar to what I've experienced at nearby Corte Madera, so hiking is probably a best bet for this reserve.
The road to the trail head was narrow and winding but the efforts to get there was worthy.
Purisima creek trail was a very nice trail, shaded and flat for the first few miles. And it was also a world of banana slugs. We saw big ones and babies along both sides of the trail.
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Purisima is what you want it to be, but it's the pure essence of preserved open space. When the fog finally lifts and the air is crystal clear, you can spot the Farallon Islands from atop the North Ridge and watch container ships move slowly up the coast to SF Bay. Half Moon Bay is almost always visible down below, brilliant at sunset from the top of Harkins Ridge. When the heat is intense and sky is pure blue, the scents of sage and chaparral greet you around every exposed switchback. When it is rainy and filled with enveloping fog, Whittemore Gulch Trail is hauntingly beautiful - the stumps of old-growth redwoods are like decomposing, disappearing gravestones hidden amidst the sword ferns and new redwoods that are replacing the old, freed once and for all from the axe and saw. Soda Gulch seems like a hidden corner miles away from the city and the valley below, and once you leave it will revert back to its natural state. If you want an easy stroll along Purisima Creek with friends and family, you can hike without hardly an elevation gain. If you want to power up Harkins Ridge and venture out to the park boundary on the North Ridge Trail, you can race your heart rate and stimulate all your senses. Other, less-traveled parts of the preserve beckon to those who want to go down Grabtown Gulch, Borden Hatch Mill, and Irish Ridge. These more remote trails will test you if you let them, as will an up-and-down loop from the Skyline parking area. Sometimes, if you are lucky, it will seem as if Purisima is yours and yours alone. The rest of the time, enjoy it with the others who have come to savor the surroundings. They are good company.
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Ease of Parking: Limited at the Higgins Purisima Rd entrance, but we parked along the right hand curbside (but FREE!)
Amenities: No bathrooms at this entrance - there was some shed thing at the front of the trail, but didn't look like a bathroom. Go to nature when it calls.
Letting me forget I live in Si Valley: Great
I wanted to do the Whittemore Gulch Trail based on great reviews so came in on the Highway 1 side - to the Higgins Purisima Rd entrance. The drive on Higgins Rd is quite scenic - local homes and their ranches. Note that if you do the Whittemore Gulch trail from this trailhead, you go uphill on the way there and downhill on the return. Which I always prefer!
We did the 2.2 mi of Whittemore Gulch to the overlook and turned back.
The first mile is within the forested redwoods - cool, damp, remiscent of hiking in the Pacific NW, which I miss. Perfect.
The second mile consists of switchbacks and towards the end - exposed sky and full sunshine.
The view at the intersection of Whittemore Gulch and North Ridge trails is beautiful. Even though today was somewhat cloudy - we looked west toward the ocean and were awed with the sun sparkling on the water.
We saw a black-haired, white-tailed wild rabbit dart across the trail - cute!
Intensity: Moderately intense. Some tough grade climbs throughout.
Note: Drive carefully on Hwy 92 on the way in. We witnessed a deer-car collision (came out of nowhere) on our way in.
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One of my favorite spots to hike in the peninsula. Located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz mountains, Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP encompasses two primary canyons, one large canyon with several side tributaries (Purisima Creek Canyon) and one smaller canyon (Whitemore Gulch). There are four entrances to the park, two on Skyline Drive, one on Tunitas Creek Road, and one on Higgins Purisima Creek road, on the western side. The latter entrance offers the best hike profile (up first, down last) and is a short drive southeast from Half Moon Bay.
Here's a map of the park:
http://www.openspace.o...
My favorite trails are, in order:
-- Soda Gulch Trail: (hikers only) A moderately inclined walk on a narrow track through gorgeous redwoods, punctuated by bridges over stream crossings. The best place in the park to listen and hear nothing but birds
-- Whitemore Gulch Trail: A steep trail offering a descent (or rise) through a variety of plant communities. One switchback section near the top offers breathtaking views of the valleys below, especially if the combination of sun and fog are right.
-- Purisima Creek Trail: A wide, gently inclined road in the heart of Purisima Creek Canyon, complete with burbling brook and towering redwoods.
I kicked my own ass on Saturday in an attempt to do all the above in one loop. And I started at the northern Skyline Drive entrance since I had a late start. Total mileage was 9.9 miles, and I was really feeling the steeper parts the next day (ok, and the day after). A better way to do this loop would be to start at the western entrance, get the nicer hike profile, and also shave off an extra mile. Alternatively, you could subtract another two miles by skipping Whitemore Gulch and taking the Harkins Ridge Trail instead, though the latter is the least interesting trail in the park IMHO.
A five-star place, but because I'm a picky bastard I'll subtract one star for not providing a better variety of shorter loop hikes. Basically if time is short you are forced to do a there-and-back hike on the same trail. That won't stop me from coming back though.
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Oh Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP is just soooo pretty & tranquil. hiking through the grove next to the creek is relaxing. Climbing up on the trail that gives you a peek of the ocean that's not so far away is worth it....and hiking on the trail back down to that grove is very relaxing and can lead to contemplation and just plain enjoyment. I like Purisima Creek Redwoods. The parking....sux, but you will find a spot along the side of the road. I'll be back, that's fer sure!!
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A beautiful place to hike with a huge network of trails that take you through all sorts of terrain, and some...all the way to ocean.
Trails vary from very short & easy to long and strenuous. There is even a short one that is wheelchair accessible!
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Even though I was raised nearby I hadn't been back here in years. I was very happy to have rediscovered this gem for a ride on my mountain bike. I entered on the HMB side for two reasons- one because it's at the bottom of the hill and I prefer to have my descent on the return trip and two because it's closer to home.
I didn't have time to do one of the loops so I just went up and back on the Purisima Creek trail. It wasn't a steep climb but more of a long slow burn that felt really good without hurting too much. The scenery was beautiful as you ride along the creek in the shade of redwoods for most of the way.
I'd recommend using the facilities at the Johnston House on the way in because the one at the trailhead at this end looks very primitive.
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Riding Purisima is like courting a fabulous woman.
At first, it's VERY intimidating, but, after a little bit of time, I work up the courage to give it a shot.
Now in the beginning, she doesn't notice. And while giving a valiant effort, I am one of 50 other chumps all vying for the same prize.
After working at it and being patient for a little, she finally notices but is less than impressed because she sees this type of person every day.
Now she decides to throw a couple challenges my way to see what I am made of.
I take them head on.
Now she has weeded me away from the pack and is willing to test me a little more to see if I am her type.
One after the other she beats me down, makes me feel like shit, and when I have had enough, she throws me another beating.
True to form, when all is lost and I am ready to give up on this one and start courting another hottie hill, she decides to give up the goods and is receptive to my advances.
And God damn is it worth it.
But alas, now that I have won her heart, she was just a practice woman. For my true love doesn't know I exist, but I am making my way through the minor leagues in an effort to truly impress her.
Her name, is Downeyville.
Tease.
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UPDATE: I went back with the Yelp DYK crew here. Don't remember the trail names of the 10-mile loop we did, but I absolutely loved the hike! 4 hours of nature = therapeutic.
http://www.yelp.com/ev...
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We hiked the North Ridge Trail and knew we'd be going back. From the main entrance on Skyline Blvd., it's a straight walk about 2.5 miles in one direction. It's safe, peaceful (no bikers), and partly shaded by tall redwoods. If you pay attention to the signs, there's no way of getting lost. Just like the other trails, it's scenic with beautiful ocean views and offers decent elevation. (No running for me here, unfortunately.) There are several really steep hills towards the end that your butts will painfully appreciate.
Our next target is the Purisima Creek trail. We'll be bringing more water for this!
The main parking lot is fairly big (could fit maybe up to 25 cars?) and has a bathroom at the entrance. Free maps of the trails are available as well.
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We hiked 7 miles starting on the half moon bay side today and it was awesome! We started with the Purisima Creek Trail, then the Soda Gulch (Bay Area Ridge trail), and finally the Harkins Ridge trail back to the start. It took a little over three hours. The middle part (soda gulch) was our favorite part. There was lots of shade and the views were phenomenal! We stopped every ten minutes to take pictures. Also, we didn't have to worry about mountain bikes zooming at us during this patch, which was nice.
I'm surprised not too many other people come here. But that's also what's great about the place - it was really peaceful and you can really absorb the sounds and sights of nature around you. Yes, that sounds cheesy, but it's true!
The patches of steep downhill on harking ridge trail was rough, and the uphill for the bikers we saw seemed pretty hard on them too. My knees will be feeling it tomorrow. Along with my thighs and back... and my arms and neck and shins and ... but it was so worth it!!! We topped off the evening with some great food and dessert at Pasta Moon in half moon bay. :) Yum!
There's limited parking (maybe 10 spots max?) at the trailhead and a lot of cars were parked along the narrow road leading up to the lot. We were lucky to have someone leaving as we got there. There's also a small bathroom at the trailhead with lots of toilet paper, at least when we used it.
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Check out following for a hike experience:
http://locomotoring.ne...
I also use the bahiker website frequently to check out hikes in bay area. For information on other trails at Purisima, visit:
http://www.bahiker.com...
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Purisima Creek Redwoods is a good place to go if you:
1. Hike, you hate riding mountain bikes.
2. Have very cautious friends who like to ride slowly to learn a new trail.
3. Have a low center of gravity.
4. Do not use Speedplay Frogs or SPD pedals, you use something more like Egg Beater Mallet Cs (note: I switched to these).
Unfortunately for me, when I roade at Purisima the first time 1-4 did not apply.
My trip off a cliff and into a large bunch of bushes that broke my fall was slightly annoying. Trying to pry a 30 lb mountain bike off of you when you do not have any leverage because you're being suspended on the side of a cliff by brush, WORTHLESS!
Finding out two weeks later that the itching you're feeling is poison oak and then ending up on antibiotics and steroids, PRICELESS!
See my review of Ducky's [1] for what to do if your car is contaminated with poison oak.
[1] - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
This trail kicked my ass. And I loved it (once I able to breathe normally again).
It's way up in the mountains and during my company's (http://Vendio.com) weekly hike, we don't leave til abount 6:45 pm (ish) so the fog had rolled in...but the trail was awesome.
Silly Helen ran after Celeste S. downhill - weeeeeeeeeeeee.
Silly Helen didn't realize that what goes down must come up. In this case, it was coming up against a STEEP hill at some point during the North Ridge trail. We didn't want to lose the light and so turned around and it was then that it hit me that I had to walk back UP the "weeee" hill I had giddily jogged down.
Fuck.
It was painful. I was ready to be left behind & eaten by coyotes. I tried to take a short-cut through what may have been poison oak (didn't work). But, in the end I made it.
Next time: Take it easier. Wear real hiking shoes. Take pre-post painkillers.
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This is hands down, one of my favorite hikes in the Bay Area.
I love being able to hike through redwoods, chapparral and see great views of the pacific ocean.
I usually start on the Half Moon Bay side - off of Higgins-Purisima road. Once I'm done, it's great to be able to go to quaint Main Street in Half Moon Bay and get something yummy to eat or snack on, and/or go antique shopping afterward.
What a great way to get a day trip, great exercise, gorgeous nature, yummy eats and quaint Bay Area backroads-type discovery into a single day.
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We did this hike on Wednesday and it was an awesome workout. We skipped our little selves down the hill knowing that, in theory, we would have to drag ourselves back UP the hill to get out. We got to a hill that looked like it actually went straight up and was all craggy and decided this was a good turnaround point to avoid being stuck in there as it got dark. Then the uphill back began....
I hike with my dogs a lot (although not here since they are anti-dog) and feel I am in decent hiking shape - and that uphill was painful. We were all sweating - like dripping. Yeah it was foggy and humid but HOT!
The hike is beautiful - the views are incredible. Worth the hike for sure. And I would keep going further with more light. Going back... There are other trails so maybe some are for beginners but the one we did was definitely not for someone who just wants a pretty stroll.
I take away a star because I'm sick of all the good hikes being anti-dog. I have huskies and they need foggy hikes and this trail system would be great for them . But alas no...even though some of the trails allow bikes which will do far more damage to the natural environment than my always on-leash dogs.
But definitely worth the hike - beautiful and a kick in the butt!
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Every time I come to this area to hike, I want to come back sooner rather than later! I used to hike from the Skyline Side, but now I'd rather come thru Half Moon Bay to enjoy the view as I drive there.
In March 08, I hiked with my cousins along Purisima Creek. One of my cousins hasn't hiked much with me before and she was quite happy to have done about 4.5 miles with us. If you stay along Purisima Creek, it is pretty flat and pretty when there is water flowing in the creek.
There have been numerous times when I've hiked along Purisima Creek to Soda Gulch to Harkins Ridge Loop. This is a long loop and can be steep at times. Definitely a nice workout. I love that you go thru different terrain throughout this trail.
I've done Whittemore Gulch and North Ridge Trail, as well. These trails are great work outs for the behind. Be sure to take lots of water and a lunch to sit and enjoy some amazing views. The summer time can be very hot, so leave early and pack lots of water. (Maybe, bring some Red Vines with you, as well for an added treat).
I was a big fan of the MROSD (http://www.openspace.org/) from the first time I hiked through a preserve. I love living in a state that uses my tax dollars to give me such beautiful places to hike. I've been to 5 difference open space preserves in the bay area: el sereno, fremont older, pulgas ridge, el corte de madera, & of course purisima creek redwoods which is definitely my favorite of the bunch. the views are spectacular. on a clear day you can see half moon bay. On days with thick, low cloud cover that's a sight in itself when viewed from up in the mountains.
There are lots of trails with this preserve and with the exception of the dead enders that break off of Borden Hatch Mill: Bald Knob to Irish Ridge to Lobitos Creek trails . . . I'm proud to say I've done them all. You get to see so many cool things in nature while hiking these trails, the most obvious being the redwood trees, but also if you know what you're looking for all kinds of plant & fungal life.
There are season closures of Whittenmore Gulch to non-hikers due to how wet it can get. Also, the Soda Gulch trail was closed for a period in 2006 due to damage from the storms making the trail impassible. It's since reopened though.
You can enter the preserve from 3 different sides: 2 off skyline blvd which start you out at higher points, one off Higgins Purisima Rd which starts you off at the lower points, and 1 off Tunitas Creek Rd which starts you off at higher points on the flip side.
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The descent from the trail off of skyline was almost pure heaven--30mph slopes, switchbacks you could pitch your bike generously around, a series of killer jumps, incredible scenery--and little foot/bike traffic. The only downside was after 20 min. of the best downhilling around ya gotta climb out the same way you came at 1/10th the speed you descended/10x the effort.
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My friend and I hiked this from the Half Moon Bay side. We did about a 7 mile loop up whittemore Gluch Trail to North Ridge trail and down Harkins Ridge trail.
It was great, definately an intermediate trail. If you reverse this then you go straight up and there are not many switchbacks or anything! Just up up up! There is so much in this area left to explore, again it's nice ot have such great trails so close to home!
My sore-y butt is out of shape. 1400 feet elevation change. Nearly 8 miles back and forth. One tiny bottle of water and two bad knees. ARGHHH!!! I'll be honest. It sucked. I was so cranky from dehydration that I was ready to be left behind to the elements. But aside from all the complaining, the hike was absolutely gorgeous. Granted it did take 4 hours, but the trails wound through meadows, chaparrel, and shadowy redwoods. Saw a great variety of different plant life and trees, the Forget Me Nots were starting to bud so I can just imagine how pretty the trails will look in 2 months. Will come back much more prepared than this last trip. 16 ounces of water for my camel habits was DEFINITELY not enough.
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redwoods, banana slugs, ladybugs
I hiked the Purisima Creek trail, from one end to the other and back again and man, it was a workout. According to the map, I started out at 2000 and ended at 600, which means 1400 ft elev loss and then gain on the way back, ~ 4 miles each way. Great plant community, lots of redwoods, at least 4 species of ferns, for example, and unfortunately quite a bit of broom. Oh, be careful not to step on banana slugs. This is the first time I visited this preserve, but I plan on being back to check out the other trails.
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This stretch of preserve is all on the ocean side of the coastal range, so between the plentiful redwoods you get regular glimpses of Half Moon Bay and the Pacific. The preserve itself is on a very steep patch of land, so its 20 miles of trails offer a great workout but no leisurely stroll.
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Nice place to take a pooch for a hike. Some of the trails were closed the last time I went, which was a bummer, but the ones that were open were nice.
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The Best local hike for Penninsula folks. While it's good in the summer, it's fantastic in the spring. I've been on the hike a dozen times and went last spring and everything was in bloom. L-distance runners on the trail, but never crowded and very scenic. There are some steeper spots (in the beginning) but able to do the enire train in sneakers. easy to get to.
One of the best hiking trail in the bay area.
LOVE IT!
wonderful place to hike with great scenery.
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