Explore: Fern Creeks & Redwood Hills [Purisima Creek, Half Moon Bay]

Update!: The parking / carpooling coordination became too tricky for a public Meetup event. I’m cancelling this event, but if you’d still like to explore the area, text me directly and a small group can rendezvous at Cowell-Purisima trail, by the beach and hike nearby. I will schedule Purisima as a Meetup event once I know the trail and parking options better.

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Join us on an “Explore” hike to Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. Let’s take advantage of Sunday’s cool forecast to climb some lovely but steep hills, and discover a whole new trail system in the wild Peninsula Coast.

“Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The centerpiece of this 5,412-acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, rushing creek, and understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers.”

We will plan for the 7.2 mile hike listed below:
Purisima Creek to Whittemore Gulch Loop
Skill Level: Experienced hikers.
Default Route: 7.2 miles, 1,600’ TEG
Alltrails link: Default Route
Forecast: 61F —> 64F
Cell signal: Unlikely
Bring: Good traction, snacks and water.
Meet in Parking Lot: Google, iPhone
Don’t bring: No dogs allowed.

Schedule:
~9:45am — Carpools depart (customize)
11am — Meet at trailhead parking lot.
11:15 — Hike departs from parking lot.
~3pm — Hike returns
3:15 — Head for the pub or home, as needed.

Explore Hike: "Explore" signifies that we are all in this together, and your hike leaders will be exploring this for the first time along with you, meaning roll with the punches and bad puns, and enjoy the discovery together. You should be a reasonably confident and fit hiker to join us on an explore hike.

Carpools:
Please arrange carpools in the comments, especially if you are able to drive. Include where to meet, or use our West side meeting point in front of SCMB (Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery)
402 Ingalls St #27, Santa Cruz,
Gather to carpool 9:30–9:40am.
Carpools depart by 9:45am.

Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for this hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any social activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.