Hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve

As you hike through this peaceful canyon, gazing up at the towering redwoods, relishing in this seemingly unspoiled preserve, imagine 100 years ago. In the late 1800s, logging companies cleared Purisima Canyon of its redwoods—some as old as 1000 years. Fortunately, regrowth was allowed and $2 million later (from the Save the Redwoods League) we can once again hike in the awesome beauty of the giant redwood groves of Purisima Creek. You’ll see remnants of cut trees which provide the roots and reproduction system for the current forest.

 

The Trip:

Our trip begins at the Higgins/Purisima Road entrance on the West side of the preserve (outside of Half Moon Bay). The majority of the trail is on a narrow fireroad that borders Purisima Creek and is canopied by redwoods and Douglas firs. After 2.3 miles we’ll turn onto a narrow trail with rolling hills and a gradual climb that eventually gives us a 1200 foot elevation gain. Throughout the hike we’ll be in and out of trees, along a gently cascading creek, and hiking along exposed ridges that provide incredible views of Half Moon Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This is a 7 mile hike. It has some ups and downs, but isn't extremely difficult. The hike is appropriate for any skill level, assuming reasonable fitness. Hiking time should be about 2.5-3 hours, but with water breaks and view stops, we could be on the trail for 3.5 hours. We’ll meet in the morning at the trailhead, make introductions, etc., and start the hike. We will be providing lunch and beverages after the hike back at the trailhead, so you may want to bring some trail snacks while hiking, and make sure you have eaten breakfast.

After the hike, those who want to hear a good ghost story can join us for a mid-afternoon refreshment at the Moss Beach Distillery, a local watering hole and fine restaurant about 12 miles up Hwy. 1. This former brothel is rumored to be haunted, and provides incredible cliff-side views of the ocean from the back patio.

Level of experience recommended:

This is considered a beginner/intermediate hike due to the elevation changes. The beginning part of the hike has a gradual up hill, followed by the 1200 gain in mile 3. After, it is a 3.5 mile rolling and downhill trek back to the beginning of the loop.