The best walks and hikes in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

No, dogs are not permitted on the trails within the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. They are only allowed on-leash in the designated parking areas. Please leave your pets at home when you plan to hike here.

There are two primary access points for the preserve, each offering a different starting experience:

North Entrance (Skyline Blvd): Located at a higher elevation, this trailhead provides quicker access to ridge trails with coastal views. Parking is available in a lot off Skyline Boulevard.

Main Entrance (Purisima Creek Road): Situated at the bottom of the canyon near Half Moon Bay, this entrance offers immediate access to the redwood groves along the creek. Parking here is limited and fills up very quickly, especially on weekends.

Yes, the Redwood Trail, accessible from the Skyline Boulevard entrance, is a short, flat, and wheelchair-accessible path that winds through a beautiful stand of tall redwoods. It's an excellent option for families with small children or visitors looking for a gentle nature walk.

For expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Half Moon Bay, focus on the trails in the northern part of the preserve. The Pillar Point Overlook & North Ridge Trail loop is a relatively short hike that leads through coastal scrub to a fantastic viewpoint.

The trails within the canyon, such as the Purisima Creek Trail, are typically shaded, cool, and surrounded by dense second-growth redwood forests. The terrain is often a mix of packed dirt and single-track paths that follow the creek, crossing it on picturesque bridges. While some sections are gentle and flat, be prepared for steep climbs as you ascend out of the canyon.

The preserve is well-suited for loop hikes that combine different types of scenery. A great example is the Grabtown Gulch Trail & Borden Hatch Mill loop, which takes you through both the shaded redwood forest and more exposed sections of the preserve.

The Craig Britton Trail & North Ridge Trail loop is considered a moderately difficult hike. It involves a significant amount of elevation change, winding along a steep canyon wall. While it offers stunning forest views, it requires a good level of fitness due to its length and climbs.

You can hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and wildflowers. Summer offers a cool escape from inland heat, though coastal fog is common in the mornings. Autumn provides clear, sunny days, while winter sees the creek flowing at its fullest after the rains, creating a vibrant, mossy landscape. Always check trail conditions, as some paths can be muddy after heavy rain.

It's wise to dress in layers, as the temperature can vary significantly between the cool, shaded canyons and the sunny, exposed ridges. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential due to the steep and sometimes slippery terrain. Always bring plenty of water and some snacks, as there are no facilities within the preserve. A trail map or a navigation app like komoot is also highly recommended.

Yes, there are restrooms available at the main trailheads. You can find facilities at the north parking lot off Skyline Boulevard and at the main entrance parking area on Purisima Creek Road. There are no restrooms along the trails themselves.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic contrast between the deep, serene redwood canyons and the open, sunny ridges with their sweeping ocean vistas. The well-maintained trail system and the immersive forest atmosphere are also common highlights.