Purisima Creek Redwoods

San Mateo County, Santa Cruz Mountains, California · Open Space Preserve

A 5,412-acre second-growth redwood preserve on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Half Moon Bay. Features towering redwoods, fern-lined Purisima Creek Canyon, 23+ miles of trails, coastal views, and abundant wildlife including bobcats and mountain lions.

Top trails

• Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail — 6.5 mi loop
• Purisima Creek Redwoods North Ridge Trail — 4.1 mi out & back
• Purisima Creek Trail to Whittemore Gulch Trail Loop — 9.0 mi loop
• Bay Area Ridge Trail: Purisima Creek Redwoods — 7.8 mi one way
• Purisima Creek Redwood Trail — 0.6 mi out & back

Visiting

Fees — General Admission: $0, Parking: $0.

Parking: Two main lots serve the preserve: Purisima Creek Road Parking Area (off Higgins-Purisima Rd, coastal/Half Moon Bay side) and North Ridge Parking Area (off Skyline Blvd, ridgetop side). Additional roadside pull-outs are available along Tunitas Creek Road.. Dogs allowed on leash. Phone: (650) 691-1200.

Coordinates: 37.4231, -122.3604. Official website.

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