The Place

Redwood Tree With Huge 'L' Shaped Limb

The Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The centerpiece of this 3,360-acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, rushing creek, and understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal scrub and hardwood forests of tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir border the cool moist canyon. Magnificent views of the coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve.

Wild Flowers With Ferns in The Background

Where to Meet:

We will meet in the small parking lot off Purisima Creek Road
Google Maps use: 2800 Purisima Creek Road, Half Moon Bay, CA.

Tree With Great Many Branches

Walking the Walk

Start on the Purisima Creek Trail to the Soda Gulch Trail Right on Harkins Ridge Trail Left on the North Ridge Trail left on Whittemore Gulch Trail arriving at the Start.

Level: 3.5 - Miles: 9 - Elevation change: 1111 ft - Host: Philip S. - Phone: (650) 323-9775

Redwood Tree With Healed Burn

Directions:

From San Jose: Take Hwy 280 north to Hwy 92 go toward Half Moon Bay take Hwy 1 south approximately 4.3 miles. Turn left on Verde Road. Continue straight to remain on what becomes Purisima Creek Road in approximately 3.7 miles is parking lot for the Preserve.
Parking is free but limited so carpooling is a good idea.

Travel time from San Jose: 1 Hour and 15 Minutes

Redwood Tree With Unusual Branch

Know Before You Go:

Parking Fee: Car pooling is suggested
Dogs Not Allowed
Dress appropriately, Layers are suggested
Restrooms - available in The Preserve at the start.

Redwood Tree With Healed Burn and Mossy Fallen Trunk

Website for maps: Click Here