El Corte De Madera Loop: Tafoni, Methuselah, and Gordon Mill Trail

The El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, where this loop is located, has several access points. A common starting point is from Skeggs Point, which offers parking. Given the preserve's popularity, especially on weekends, arriving early is advisable to secure a parking spot.

Regulations for dogs can vary within the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. It's best to check the official Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website for the most current rules regarding dogs, including leash requirements and permitted trails, before your visit.

This loop can be enjoyed year-round. However, the terrain can be damp, especially in winter, due to shaded creekside paths. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and lush scenery. Summer provides good conditions, though some sections are exposed. Consider winter for a quieter experience, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access and hike in the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. It is open to the public for recreational use.

The route offers diverse terrain, transitioning from dense redwood and mixed evergreen forests to sections of open chaparral. You'll find shaded creekside paths in deep canyons, towering redwoods, Douglas firs, and various undergrowth like ferns and huckleberry. The Gordon Mill Trail section is a wide dirt road that delves deep into mountainside forests, while other parts feature rocky sections and vibrant red manzanita bushes. Some higher elevations may even offer occasional ocean views.

This loop is rich with unique attractions. You'll encounter the distinctive Tafoni Sandstone Formations, known for their delicate, honeycomb-like patterns (please do not touch them as they are fragile). A significant highlight is the ancient Methuselah Tree, an old-growth redwood. Additionally, along the Resolution Trail, you can find a somber memorial and scattered remnants from a DC-6 plane crash in 1953. The preserve also holds traces of its past logging operations.

The overall loop is rated as difficult, covering over 20 km with significant elevation gain. While individual sections like the Tafoni Trail can be part of easier, shorter loops, combining Tafoni, Methuselah, and Gordon Mill trails creates a strenuous experience. The Gordon Mill Trail, in particular, is considered moderate to strenuous with substantial climbing. Be prepared for varied ascents and descents throughout the entire route.

The El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is very popular with mountain bikers, especially on weekends. Hikers should be aware and prepared to share the trails. Always be attentive to your surroundings, listen for approaching bikes, and yield appropriately to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Yes, this route utilizes sections of several other trails within the preserve. You will hike along parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail - 04 - San Francisco and Peninsula, the Methuselah Trail, Manzanita Trail, and the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail.

Beyond general hiking safety, be mindful of the varied terrain, which can be damp and potentially slippery, especially in shaded areas or after rain. The preserve is also popular with mountain bikers, so stay alert and share the trails responsibly. Always carry enough water, navigation tools, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.