Did the Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Loop trail a few weeks back and boy oh boy, the the hike was amazing. Route was strenuous, as advertised but awesome. The hike was about 80% shaded in some of the most gorgeous redwood forests, with crisp woodsy air, and lots of flora and wildlife. Wooded trails were nice and cool, which afforded a welcome respite from the warmer ambient temperature (non forested). Saw a lot of banana slugs, some dear, and a bunch of flowers of different types-some endemic and sadly some invasive to the bay. The hike offered views of the bay (at the expense of no shade) on top of the ridge, which was neat. Elevation gain of the hike was approximately 1500 feet, which was gradual in some parts but more steep on others. Didn't use a hiking pole, but wish I did because my legs felt like jello afterwards! The hike which was advertised as around 7 miles took my friend and me about 3h45m (advertised recommended time as 4h-4h30m) with a bunch of rest breaks. Definitely would be back to explore the other trails and get a good dose of trees and nature. read more

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We drove to the Purisima Creek Road Parking Area, arriving at 9:50 on Friday as the 5th car in the 7 spaces lot. Toilet at trailhead; out of TP by afternoon so BYOpaper just in case. Walking next to the creek was easy and tranquil. Looped up Craig Britton Trail for vista views. Had a trail lunch at a u turn. Later at Harkins Ridge Trail, we were treated to see and hear a beautiful bird pecking on a tree trunk. I think the best part of hiking this trail is the lack of people; we had the forest to ourselves. We finished this 7.4 miles loop in 4 hrs, including a lunch stop. read more

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Had an amazing hike on Trail. I was eagerly looking for a place to see the redwoods and it was more than I expected. I love hiking on the trails there in the redwoods in the shade. I loved going off the trail where you can go high and then see all of the redwoods together. I was looking for a place that I could hike and walk on a trail in the redwoods and that was what I got. I went on a 4 1/2 hour hike and loved every minute. The didn't ask me to write a review. I got asked by read more

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Every week, I and my wife decided to drive to a beautiful place of CA. Last few weeks, we went to Purisima Creek Trail in Halfmoon Bay. It's not too far from where we live. The road is a little hard to drive due to some parts are single car lane but it wasn't busy so it was fine. There aren't many parking spaces in the parking lot, people had to park on the narrow street, so it's a little hard to find one. We had to park further down the street and hiked up. There are 3 trails, we took the Purisima Creek Trail. It's not a long trail, 2.3 miles, but we walked and enjoyed all these nice trees and water running down the creek on the side, very relaxing. It's a beautiful trail. The more you go into the trail, the higher it gets, bring water although it's quite cool due to trees and no sun directly on to you. We love to watch these little Falls LOL, water running down from the top, the water on the left when we walked up but then it moved to the right. The left creek you can walk down to see but not the right creek. We really like the Purisima Creek Trail. We will come back to try other trails. read more

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If charming redwoods are your steez, then you absolutely cannot miss this gorgeous trailhead. Located within Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, this trail runs through the center of the park and follows the beautiful Purisima Creek amidst towering Redwoods and vibrantly green foliage. Hiked this trail as a connector to a loop, and it was incredibly stunning. There are actually two ways to start this trail from the road; off of Skyline Boulevard at the main entrance, or off Higgins Canyon and Purisima Creek Rd from Highway 1. Not sure if the Higgins Canyon entrance is back open right now (during COVID), but this was the way that I entered. The road is pretty narrow and windy until you reach Higgins. At this entrance, there are only about 5 parking spaces available in the lot, but there's lots of parking off the road. Also, it fills up super quickly! I'd advise that you get here early. The earlier the better! There are restrooms and trail maps near the parking lot. I actually found a cute little banana slug crawling on the bathroom door right before I began my hike. Lots of signs of wildlife are present. This particular trail is actually pretty easy. It's relatively flat with a few gradual inclines and it runs through several Redwood groves. It's the perfect trail for a warm day because it's completely shaded until you reach a few of the connector trails. It's also child and family friendly, so don't be afraid to bring your little ones or push them by stroller on this path. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed. I actually started my hike here pretty late in the early afternoon, and there were quite a bit of people on the hike. Most of them were wearing masks, but some weren't. The nice thing about this trail is that it's pretty easy to social distance because it's wide and flat. I can't say the same about the connectors trails though since those are a lot more narrow. The views are just insane. Not only are you walking parallel to the creek, but you'll also be surrounded by giant Redwoods. I'm a Redwood junkie, so this was like pure heaven for me. Every so often, I just had to stop, look up and take a deep breath. Not many people are blessed to be able to experience this type of beauty on the regular. I have to remind myself to not take it for granted. With the sound of the water flowing through the creek, and the views of the majestic forest right in front me, I felt like I was floating through paradise. It was simply a forested little heaven to say the least. So many beautiful wildflowers, ferns, and cross bridges. My little eyes could barely handle it all. If you're looking to make this trail a little more challenging, I'd suggest doing the loop hike to the Craig Britton Trail and Harkins ridge. A lot more elevation gain and there's a break in the Redwoods when you reach the top of the ridge, but it's so damn gorgeous. But anyways, would 1000% recommend this trail for a casual and relaxing stroll through the Redwoods. Looking forward to revisiting this beauty sometime next year for another hike. read more

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Came here on a Friday morning around 9:30 AM. The parking lot is tiny but I got lucky and got a spot right as someone was leaving. There's no parking fee, and there's a vault toilet near the parking lot if you need it. I did a loop on Harkins Ridge, Craig Britton, then back to the parking lot on Purisima Creek Trail. Harkins Ridge was a good butt and cardio workout because it's basically all uphill, but once you reach Craig Britton, it's really gentle all the way back to the parking lot. The trail is so peaceful and serene. I felt calm and protected by the gigantic Redwoods. I also saw a banana slug, a family of deer, and a cute bunny. A good chunk of the hike is shaded by the trees, but there are sections that are exposed, so definitely wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Highly recommend!! I'll be back. read more

Purisima Creek Trail - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

The Purisima Creek Trail is just the antidote to the quarantine blues we all need. We took a random Thursday off work and decided to spend it here amidst the shady peace of the redwoods. We picked up sandwiches in Half Moon Bay before heading to the trail. We hiked Harkins Ridge to Craig Britton to the Purisima Creek Trail clockwise, which is definitely the more challenging way to take on this 7.6 mile hike. We were glad, though, for the workout the elevation demanded (and that all that uphill took place in the first section of the hike when we had enough energy to tackle it). If you want a less strenuous hike, go counterclockwise. Arrive before 10:00 in the morning to secure a parking spot (and even earlier on a weekend). There's room for six cars in the parking lot and about 10 more along one side of the road. COVID-19 Notes: - Most hikers wore masks - Occasionally you will cross paths with other hikers on a single track - Bathrooms at the start of the hike are clean and have hand sanitizer read more

Purisima Creek Trail - Gorgeous view from the trail! - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Decided to pay an visit after a raining weekends and surprisingly found many of cuties by the trail. It took me two and half hours nonstop to finished the whole loop, muddy trails made little bit challenging but it was a wonderful and fun experience in the Purisima Creek park! read more

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One of the great trail with redwood trees . Trail is shaded all the ways, so it's nice and cool on sunny days. Highlights of the trail 1) lots of Banana slug along the way 2) wide variety of mushrooms 3) water stream by the trail one can sit n relax 4) trail is muddy so if you hike after rain it highly recommended hiking shoes 5) parking is free and limited 6) have seen bikers on the trail. All in all recommended trail in Bay Area. Kids had fun counting banana slugs .. 170 is what our kids counted but read people have seen 312 of them. Glad kids eat lunch so no complaints.. read more

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We were planning to enjoy the day here today until about a mile away there was a sign saying it's closed till august 3rd.. What kind of a BS is that. After nearly 40 minutes drive and it's closed. Not sure why it's closed when it's summertime. Ridiculous!! read more

Would recommend this trail to others of all ages. It has a number of different trailheads so check out the map carefully before you go. Sweeping views giant redwoods, and cool temperature even in the heat of summer. Parking can be limited. read more

"The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It's not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time." memoir by JOHN STEINBECK How amazing and blessed we are to have this magical hiking Purisima Creek trail in Half Moon Bay. 1. You can reach the trail from almost anywhere in the Bay Area in about an hour. 2. The Purisima Creek trail has many interconnected trails of various lengths and level of difficulty, geared to almost every fitness skill. This trail is an inspirational combination of challenging exercise and aesthetic pleasure. 3. You will be mostly in the shade under many beautiful tree tunnels, only exposed to the direct sun while walking on the submit of the mountain 4. There are many huge redwoods, wild flowers, plants, ferns, birds, animals and reptiles including banana slugs, garden snakes, lizards, coyotes, deer. There are many waterfalls and creeks along the trail. 5. Rays of sunlights pierce the towering redwoods as various junctures creating an delightful open vista of the sky. I enjoy listening to the sound of water running through the Creek, or falling down from the falls. I also enjoy looking up at the tall redwoods or oak trees with the heavy shadows of trees, gorgeous green fern like foliages, the gorgeous blue or even gray sky. This place is simply gorgeous with serenity and peace. 6. When you hike on the Purisima Creek trail, you will forget your troubles including your heartbreak, your pain, your loss, the crowds, the traffic of the Bay Area. When you will finish, you will be pleasantly exhausted but with a sense of accomplishment, sleep well, and definitely inspired to return. 7. The trail is safe, well maintained and clean. 8. There are ample parking by the trailheads 9. There are maps of the trail paths, available near the trailheads. 10. Please don't litter. Carry your garbage out! read more

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August 06 2023, Trail has been closed to public access, road failure was stated as the reason. I hope it reopens soon! It's a really great trail! read more

The drive alone is worth it- tall redwood trees with an amazing scent and beautiful to look at- near breathtaking. There are trails along the way. Windy road with stellar views and no cell phone reception lots of bikers along the way and perfect place for pictures. read more

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Love this place. Magnificent nature, pure air, the sounds of the creek, all Is just perfect. If you can get there - do it, you will not be disappointed. When getting there do not take the Main st, way too steep and windy. Go to the Purisima rd. read more

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This is an amazing trail! Not a TON of parking available but if you get there by 9/9:30 you should definitely get a spot. It's a little chilly out there, I would recommend wearing long pants not only to protect your legs from the brush, but to keep warm. Overall make sure you know where you're going - carry a map so you don't get lost, and know you won't have cell service when you get out there. You can make this as short as 3 miles, or as long as 12 depending on how many loops you want to go! It's pretty easy and there are a decent amount of people around on the weekends so you may run into some while you're out there. Plenty of great photo ops regardless of which trail you take. Would definitely do this again! read more

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This review is for the Purisima Creek-Craig Britton-Harkins Ridge loop. This is a wonderful ~7 mile loop that serves almost as an ecological survey of the region. I parked on the west (Highway 1) side, and as others have noted, the 8 car parking lot was full when I got there. But there was lots of improvised parking along Purisima Creek Road -- I went at 10:30am on a holiday weekend and there were plenty of spots. I hiked the loop counterclockwise, starting with Purisima Creek Trail. I have no idea why you would do it the other way unless you are a masochist. Going clockwise via Harkins Ridge is one big gnarly ascent until you get to Craig Britton. Even going the other way, my knees and thighs were killing me because its like doing a high-impact wall sit the entire way down. Anyway, for pity's sake, go the counterclockwise direction so you can take in all the gorgeous nature while you gradually ascend to ~1500 ft. There is no doubt that the star of this hike is the path along Purisima Creek, which you will get a lot of via Purismia Creek Trail, and a bit of on the way back via Harkins Ridge. Second growth redwoods towering above you, phallic banana slugs catching you by surprise, bubbling brooks that turn into gushing waterfalls, carpets of giant clover and refreshing evergreen air; it has everything you expect from a redwood forest. Once you turn onto Craig Britton from Purisima, it's a moderate ascent that takes you above the redwood "canopy" until you finally reach the mostly-treeless peak (NB you don't actually get to the top of anything.) I went into this thinking I would get "sweeping ocean views" but it turned out to be maybe 3 peeks of a the ocean over a bunch of other hills. In fact, I didn't even see it because the fog was too strong. The vegetation here is more typical of other parts of the Bay Area, i.e. mostly dead but beautiful in a golden, dried-out dead-plant kind of way. Lots of prickly stuff, including burrs and thistles, so I recommend wearing pants. There were also bunches of wildflowers dotting the prickly stuff, including one single magenta flower plant that I didn't see again anywhere on the trail. Curious! Once you get to Harkins Ridge trail, it's a really steep descent, as I said. Eventually you get back to the creek and are treated with some really nice redwood groves, including a large circle of redwoods that grew around a felled old-growth tree; this is one of the nicest "fairy rings" I've seen because it is huge in circumference and very little light goes in. It feels very spiritual. Near the end of the trail there is a big area where people can dip their toes in the creek before heading back home. All in all, worth the ~1 hour trip from SF, especially because it's down Highway 1. Only other thing I would say is that if you need a "private space" to do "private things" you best do it at the bathroom at the trailhead. You will be faced with steep banks on either side of you in the redwood area, or open spaces with dense prickly stuff, neither of which make good fodder for making shi-shi. read more

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Beautiful trail for hiking Try to get here early so you can find a parking Bring a jacket because it does get chili in the woods I just love the sound of water and the air is so refreshing The only thing however...you will not get any cell phone service once you get close to the trail, but that's the whole point right? read more

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This is a beautiful trail!! It's a wide trail so social distancing is fairly easy. I went yesterday and I only saw 3 people throughout my hike. I saw some butterflies, moths, banana slugs, and birds. The entire trail is so pretty so the views are 10/10. One of my favorite trails for sure :) the way down is easy but the way back could be a little tough depending but still doable! read more

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This was the best trail hike I've been on in the Bay Area. It rivals the Dipsea trail in Marin County. It has a lot of diversity from towering Redwoods to creeks, to open spaces and narrow trails. I would come here again but beware parking is very limited. We visiting on a weekday in August and arrived by 9am. The parking lot was already full but we got a space along the road. There are restrooms at the beginning of the trail but they are outhouse-style with a roof and door (ie. the toilet doesn't flush). read more

Purisima Creek Trail - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Me: Which trail did we hike last weekend? Roommate: We did a few trails on our hike. Which one are you talking about? Me: Uhmmm... Roommate: The one when we first started, the one where we saw the newt, or the uphill one where you complained you had to poop for 3 straight hours? Me: Newt. Roommate: Purisima Creek Trail The Purisima Creek Trail is an easy peasy trail... at least compared to the trail we took directly after it where we had at least 3 very worried and lost people ask us how to get back to their car. That trails sucks. I mean, it's great for a workout if you're already in peak physical condition... but if you aren't (like me)... oh man. Good luck. That info is important because it's easy to walk from the Purisima Creek Trail into next week because some of the connecting trails are brutal. The Purisima Creek Trail, however, is great for pretty much anyone. Mostly flat, filthy with rad little banana slugs, there's every shade of green, a small creek, and you might even see a few little newts along the way. This trail was a lot more crowded with tourist and sun/explorer hat types with walking sticks (re: old people), who seemed to really enjoy the leisurely stroll. The grade isn't very steep and there's a bunch of little walking bridges that go over the small creek. I'm not sure about the mileage but I think it's accessible from a lower parking lot and you could prob just do a mile and be good if you're looking for a small stroll... but again, beware of those extended trails because there's certainly a few doozies in there. read more

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What an amazing trail ... love this place ... always can calm you down ... I wish I live closer...

Went here for the first time with based on a friend's recommendation. Whoa, we had no clue what we were in for. What I thought was going to a a 1 hour hike, was really a 3 hour hike, 7 mile loop. Hurt to walk 2 days later. This is what we did, drove up the 92 to Skyline Blvd. Made a right into the first lot we saw. A few miles up the road is another parking lot, I didn't want to drive that far. Should have. Parking is free!!!! There is a outdoor bathroom. Walked Northridge Trail -- Whittemore Gulch Trail -- Harkins Ridge Trail What I abslutely didn't enjoy was the Harkins Ridge Trail, it was nothing but all hills. We had to climb about 10 steep hills or more? Elevation of 600 to 2000 ft if you get my drift? Everything else was so beautiful and perfect. I think if I ever have the balls to hike Purisima again, I'll park in the other lot. There are some really great vista points, take a moment to stop and look around. read more

What a gorgeous hike! We had a brilliant time doing the Whittemore Gulch Trail. The landscape changes often enough to keep you on your toes the entire way. You'll see gorgeous redwoods, rolling hills that go all the way out to the ocean, rocky walls where there must have been an earthquake at some point, and more. It's a fascinating place. Dress for both sun and shade; the forest brings a pretty significant drop in temperature and can get a bit chilly. Also, I highly recommend starting from the lower point. We started at the top from Skyline, and the last third of our hike was brutal. Great workout, but the last thing you want to see after two hours of hiking is a giant slope upwards.. and another.. and another... and... for the last hour. :) read more

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This is the best place for hiking in the bay area. Too bad it is a bit far from where I live. I wish the east bay will have some trails like these. I LOVE going there and whenever I was there I didn't want to come back home. It is a sacred place. read more

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I hiked this park twice while on vacation. The first was a short out and back along Purisima Creek trail. The second was a brutally steep hike up Purisima Creek to Grabtown Gulch, then down on Borden Hatch Mill trail. Despite the hellish hills up and down, the trails are exceptionally beautiful - even in the fog and overcast. Be sure to bring water on these trails as you will get a workout up and down these trails (Purisima Creek is a cake walk). The redwoods are lovely and it's so, so peaceful in the forest. During my up/down I saw five other people in four miles. Nice! read more

My husband and I have been here three times & going again very soon :D.. The trail is flat at first but slowly goes up after the first bridge and can get hard if you're out of shape (like me). Still haven't made it to the top, but hope to the next time around. I enjoy trails that are in the woods or by the creek so this one is nice. Plus there is no cellphone reception, so you can enjoy the great outdoors with no distractions. Just be careful for the banana slugs & newts. Parking is limited but not difficult the 3 times we have been there, but we always go during the week so the weekends may be different. All in all good place to enjoy the outdoors & admire Mother Nature. So have fun! (Another trail that is woodsy but difficult depending on your physical abilities, is the cataract trail at mount tamalpais) read more

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I went last Saturday. It's a nice park with lots of variation: wide soft trails along the valley and narrow ones on the hillsides; some gentle grades and a few good steep ascents. It's nice for practicing with new equipment. I brought my new hiking poles to test out. And it's pleasantly popular on weekends, which is nice for meeting other hikers (I should have done more of this). read more

It was a foggy day but still eerily beautiful! Just have water proof boots and waterproof jacket and you're good to go!

Oh my goodness. Like a magical fairy forrest. The creek was so fun to walk along, the forest was quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. We found close to 80 banana slugs on our short hike. It was the perfect cool, misty, foggy day to see them. We went on a Thursday and found parking easily, restrooms were clean, and then after the hike ate lunch at Dads Luncheonette. Highly recommended as it was incredible food! read more

Always a nice walk. Pleasant fellow hikers. Just beware the horse poop on the trails.

This is my happy place. Being surrounded by redwoods in nature brings me back to myself allowing me to closer connect with the earth and all of her vibrant beauty. You will feel the magic here without a doubt. read more

If there were any more Banana slugs on this trail it would basically be a slip and slide. Enchanted redwood Forrest with Lots of elevation

COORDINATES: N 37° 26' 15.0437", W 122° 22' 14.2526" DISTANCE: 3.85 miles from Purisima Creek Road to Skyline Boulevard PROS: + Serene trail (runs along the murmuring Purisima Creek) + Nice and cool (mostly shaded) + Lots of banana slugs and newts CONS: - Limited parking spaces - No dogs allowed read more

Excellent trail to hike. About a 7 mile moderate round trip hike. My friend and I enjoyed the excellent micro climate changes between the redwoods. So majestic and surreal. We even saw a male deer run right in front of us, about 10 to 12 feet in front of us. It was awesome to see that for a couple of minutes. We came around 1:30 PM since the drive coming from one heading south was awful! For being a sunning day today, it was beautiful, but we mostly hit shade and once we reached elevation, we hit some sun. Lot's of wildlife and beautiful redwoods to admire. We did not reach the top due to time, but the trail we took was moderate, not super challenging. It took us about 3 1/2 hours to complete. Maps are helpful to coordinate your challenge and park ranager was there to help. Parking was not bad and a lot of bikers on the road were enjoying the challenging ride. Overall: Excellent hike in an excellent location! read more

This trail was beautiful I love the redwoods and the creek was very peaceful. I recommend this trail to anybody at Halfmoon Bay for a visit. Took us 3 1/2 hours to complete the trail. We took the long route but was rewarding in the end!! read more

Purisima Creek Trail - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Two syllables: AWE-SOME! (6/1/13) What a gem of a place to visit and enjoy the fresh air and peaceful sounds of a running creek, simply enjoying God's beauty. We took the 7 mile loop hike and it was a great, mostly shaded and some sunny spots at the top overlooking the canopy of trees. We Started at 10:15am and finished at 1:30pm, the way you feel after a hike like this will keep us coming back for more. Get an early start 'cause it gets hot at the top and a plus for me is No Dogs Allowed. read more

Purisima Creek Trail - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Love this place. trails of almost shaded the whole way. Completed my hikes from all 3 entrance, with South entrance being the most challenging but not too bad. Great for all season hikes read more

Beautiful place, well maintained, with creek access. Lovely place to find solitude and peace. Only downside is no dogs allowed. My pups would love this place. read more

It's another world out here, not far at all from the hustle/bustle of SF. Wide, well-established trail. Beware allergy season (it gets pretty bad on the trail), mosquitoes, and the mountain lion warning signs. read more