Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve Half Moon Bay

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve is located south of San Francisco, about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive. You can access it via Highway 92 West to Highway 1 South, then take Highway 35 North (Skyline Blvd). Alternatively, you can take Highway 280 South to Highway 92 West. The preserve has two main entrances: one from Highway 35 (North Ridge Trailhead) and another closer to Half Moon Bay (Purisima Creek Trailhead).

Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. It is best accessed by car. If you are relying on public transport, you would likely need to take a bus to a nearby town like Half Moon Bay or Redwood City and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare, which can be expensive and unreliable for park access.

Parking is a major consideration. The North Ridge trailhead offers more ample parking, while the Redwood Trailhead and Purisima Creek Trailhead have very limited spaces and fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's recommended to arrive early, ideally before 8:30 AM, or visit on a weekday.

Yes, Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve is also popular for biking and horse riding. There are designated trails for these activities, though some trails are shared with hikers. Be aware of trail conditions, especially after rain, as they can become muddy.

While the preserve offers a natural experience, many trails are steep and uneven, making them challenging for those with mobility issues. The creek bottom trails might be more accessible for shorter, leisure hikes, but specific accessibility information should be confirmed with the park service.

No, entry to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is free. There are no admission fees to enter the park or use the trails.

The preserve is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the official San Mateo County Parks website for any specific closures or updated hours, especially due to weather or trail maintenance.

No, parking cannot be reserved in advance. It is first-come, first-served. Due to limited capacity, arriving early is the best strategy for securing a spot.

There are no entrance fees for any of the trails within Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. The entire preserve is free to access for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

If the parking lot at your desired trailhead is full, your best options are to try another trailhead (like North Ridge, which has more space) or to come back on a different day or at a different time. Some visitors have also noted that the Purisima Creek Trailhead at the bottom of the hill offers family-friendly trails and might be an alternative if other lots are full.

Popular loops include the Grabtown Gulch to Purisima Creek Loop (around 9.3 miles) and routes combining North Ridge, Whittemore Gulch, and Purisima Creek trails for a more strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. Shorter, family-friendly options are available near the Purisima Creek Trailhead.

Hikes can range from moderate to strenuous. Many trails involve significant elevation gain, with some routes reaching up to 2000 feet of elevation change. The creek bottom trails are generally flatter and more leisurely.

You're likely to encounter banana slugs, which are a highlight for many visitors! You might also see various birds, squirrels, and other small forest creatures. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in the spring.

While many visitors hike alone, it's always wise to take precautions. Inform someone of your hiking plans, stick to marked trails, and be aware of your surroundings. Cell service can be spotty in the canyon.

Restroom facilities are typically available at the main trailheads, such as North Ridge. It's advisable to check the park's official website for the most current information on facility availability.

Mornings are ideal for photography, especially when there's fog. The interplay of fog, sun rays filtering through the redwoods, and the lush greenery creates a magical, ethereal atmosphere. +1

Focus on the moss-covered trees, the towering redwoods themselves, the winding creek, and the vibrant yellow banana slugs. The misty forest floor and sunbeams piercing the canopy are also stunning subjects.

For personal, non-commercial photography, no special permit is typically required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or videography, it's best to contact the San Mateo County Parks department to inquire about permits and regulations.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the redwoods. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of banana slugs and forest details. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions, especially in the dense forest.

The biggest challenge is the variable lighting due to the dense canopy and fog. Managing dynamic range and capturing detail in both bright and shadowed areas can be tricky. Also, the trails can be wet and muddy, so protecting your gear is important.