Tafoni, Fir, and Methuselah Trail Loop

The loop is located within the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Parking is typically available at trailheads along Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). It's a popular area, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on leash within the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Always ensure your dog is under control and follow all posted regulations.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but conditions vary. Winter months can be damp, making some sections muddy. Spring offers lush greenery and wildflowers, while fall provides cooler temperatures. Summer is also pleasant due to the extensive tree cover. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, including this loop.

This loop is famous for its distinctive geological and botanical highlights. You'll encounter the fascinating Tafoni Sandstone Formation, an intricately eroded rock structure. Just across Skyline Boulevard, you can also see the impressive 1,800-year-old Methuselah Tree, a towering redwood. The trail also winds through diverse redwood and Douglas fir forests.

The terrain is varied, ranging from former logging roads to narrower singletrack paths. You'll hike through lush redwood and Douglas fir forests, with sections of tanoak and ferns. Some parts can be damp, especially in winter. Be prepared for significant elevation changes, as some sections, particularly on the Fir and Methuselah Trails, can be steep.

Yes, a short detour off the Fir Trail leads to a vista point offering panoramic views of the forested Santa Cruz Mountains, grassy coastal hills, and the Pacific Ocean. You can also visit Skeggs Point, a popular viewpoint nearby.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other official trails within the preserve. You'll hike along parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail - 04 - San Francisco and Peninsula, Methuselah Trail, Sierra Morena Trail, Tafoni Trail, and Fir Trail. This interconnected network offers many options for longer or shorter hikes.

While some sections, like the Tafoni Trail, are moderately easy and shady, other parts of the loop, particularly on the Fir and Methuselah Trails, can be quite steep and challenging. The preserve's trails often have significant elevation changes. It's best suited for hikers with some experience or families comfortable with varied and potentially strenuous terrain. Always check current conditions before heading out.

The El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is very popular, especially with mountain bikers. Hikers should be aware that many trails are shared, particularly on weekends. Always be courteous, yield to uphill traffic, and be mindful of others on the path.

Yes, the preserve includes the site of a 1953 DC-6 commercial airplane crash. While not directly on the main loop, the Resolution Trail, which is often incorporated into longer routes in the preserve, passes a memorial and may still have small artifacts. Hikers are asked to respect this historical site.