🌲 Redwood Forest Adventure – Whittemore Gulch & Harkins Ridge Loop
Join us for a beautiful hike through the lush redwood forests of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Half Moon Bay!
We’ll follow North Ridge Trail before descending along Whittemore Gulch Trail into a deeply forested canyon filled with towering redwoods, lush ferns, shaded single-track paths, and peaceful creekside scenery. We’ll complete the loop by climbing back up Harkins Ridge Trail to the trailhead.
🌲 Hike Details
📍 Location: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, near Half Moon Bay, CA
📌 Meeting Point: North Ridge Parking Area, Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35)
🕑 Start Time: 2:00 PM — please arrive 10–15 minutes early
🥾 Route: North Ridge Trail → Whittemore Gulch Trail → Harkins Ridge Trail
📏 Distance: Approximately 6.5 miles
⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with a steep descent into the canyon and an uphill climb on the return
⏱️ Estimated Duration: 3–4 hours, depending on group pace and breaks
✨ Trail Highlights
- Dense redwood forest and lush ferns
- Shaded canyon paths and creekside scenery
- Beautiful woodland views and peaceful surroundings
- A chance to spot banana slugs along the trail!
🎒 What to Bring: Hiking shoes with good traction, plenty of water, snacks, and layers for cool forest weather.
Come enjoy a refreshing forest adventure, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and explore the beautiful redwoods of the San Mateo coast!
