Attraction Guide: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Half Moon Bay, United States

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Guide

Hike Among Giants: Explore Purisima Creek Redwoods Guide

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, located in the coastal mountains near Half Moon Bay, California, offers a breathtaking experience amidst towering redwood trees and lush forests. This expansive preserve features a network of trails that wind through redwood canyons, along ridgelines with stunning ocean views, and past babbling creeks. It's a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers seeking a challenging and rewarding outdoor adventure. The Purisima Creek area has a history tied to logging and agriculture. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the redwood forests were heavily logged, and the land was used for farming and ranching. The creation of the Open Space Preserve in the 1980s aimed to protect and restore these valuable redwood forests and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The preserve's name, Purisima Creek, reflects the pristine waters that flow through the area. Visitors to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The preserve offers trails of varying difficulty, from gentle strolls along the creek to challenging climbs to the ridgelines. The Purisima Creek Trail is a popular option for hikers, while the Harkins Ridge Trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, as the preserve is home to a diverse range of bird species. While the preserve itself doesn't have a specific culinary tradition, the nearby town of Half Moon Bay offers a variety of dining options, including farm-to-table restaurants and seafood eateries.

Transportation

The most convenient way to reach Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is by car. From Highway 1, take Higgins-Purisima Road inland. Follow the signs to the preserve's parking areas. Public transportation options are extremely limited. SamTrans bus route 17 serves Half Moon Bay, but reaching the preserve from there would require a very long walk or a taxi/rideshare.

Opening Hours

Open daily from dawn to dusk.