- Park: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space https://www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods
- Parking: Parking lot with ample spaces and road parking available.
- Entrance Fees: None
- Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes and again about 11 miles in
- Dogs Allowed: No
- Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/north-ridge-whittemore-gulch-purisima-creek-borden-hatch-mill-grabtown-gulch-craig-britton-and-harkins-ridge-loop-fe45e32?u=i
- Distance and Elevation Gain: 15 miles, 3400 feet
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Essentials: At least 3 liters of water. Food/Snacks. Layered clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xBpzwJAPkw9RdAMh9
- Route Video: https://youtu.be/nAqeqx9Fyjk
Have you ever stopped to think it might be possible to feel “small” in a good way? This day hike among the redwood giants, was good for the soul. Although I felt “small” in their presence, witnessing their majesty was a reminder that we, too, can be “large” and resilient to weather the storms and grow strong despite adversity.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve is an absolutely stunning park and we picked a perfect day to explore it. Having last done a similar loop in the rain, the sun on this day was a blessing. In the interest of full disclosure, the 37 degree start was a bit shocking after having been encased in my 80 degree vehicle cocoon for the duration of the preceding hour drive.
If you have followed me for any length of time, you know how I prefer to start early. The early bird gets the parking spot and quiet trails…right?! That being said, we gathered at the North Ridge Trail parking area at 8:00am. There you will find an actual lot, with several spaces, and a fair amount of room to park along the road. Equally as enticing is an enclosed pit toilet with toilet paper and hand sanitizer!….. Interesting the things we get excited about.
Here is the absolute truth about this loop…… No matter which way you start your loop, you are going to end with a significant uphill climb. I know…. Who puts a big climb at the end of a hike? It’s the nature of the beast when starting from this location. Interesting to see your stats at the end of this adventure and learn your “highest” point, was at the spot where you got out of your car. For those of you like me, who like to bag peaks, you’ll have to rearrange your thinking on this one.
As we set off on the Northridge trail, we could see part of our route (off to the left) as it made its way down into the canyon. Even from the start, we had some amazing views of the valley and Half Moon Bay off into the distance. The trail, throughout, is a healthy combination of single track and fire roads, all manageable this time of year. I do know, from my past experience, these trails (particularly under the tree canopy) can get quite muddy.
Taking a left on Harkins Ridge Trail, we began our descent. At about 1.3 miles, we took a sharp left onto the Craig Britton trail which switch backed us deeper into the beautiful, fern shrouded redwood abyss. Still dropping, at about 4 miles you will hit the Purisima Creek Trail junction with an offshoot making a hard left. We didn’t go that way. We essentially continued straight onto Purisima Creek trail.
Now well concealed under the canopy of the redwood giants, it was difficult not to be in awe. While having to strain our necks to look up enough to see their very tips dancing effortlessly in the breeze, we discussed the meaning of Purisima…. Pure…. How fitting for these gentle giants who have strategically laid down their root foundations in order to survive and flourish for hundreds of years. Oh the stories they could tell us, if only we could speak their language.
As I digress here a bit, I would be remiss to not discuss the astonishing resilience of these trees. Throughout this hike, we bore witness to countless trees perched on hillsides that had completely washed out beneath them. With their roots now dangling in the air, some having had the tenacity to stretch their roots through the open space down into the soil several feet below, they continued to stand. If only we could attack life with such ferociousness.
We continued into the canyon until turning sharp left onto Grabtown Gulch Trail at about 5.5 miles. Here we were met with a short steady 2 mile incline. Slow and steady gets this done, and gives many opportunities to immerse yourself in the environment. Deep within the canyon, the temperatures remained a little chillier than “cool,” and even with the climbing I left on my layers while others with me started stripping a few off. Being prepared with layers accessible enough to put on and take off is important.
At the top of this climb (about 7.2 miles in), there is a lovely flat clearing for a food break beneath the warmth of the sun. Veering right again on Borden Hatch Mill Trail we began our second descent which took us even further into the canyon than the first. Here most of the trail is old fire trail, and being close to another entry point at the Grabtown Gulch Trailhead, the number of other day hikers in the area increases fairly significantly.
Continuing our trek through the redwood giants, we met up again with the Purisima Creek Trail on which we turned left. With just a small descent left, we made our way to another major starting point at the Purisima Creek Trail and Harkins Ridge Trail junction. If you were lucky enough to make it all this way without needing to use nature’s restroom, you will find another pit toilet here. Take a break, grab a snack, focus your mind and prepare now to climb your way out. It is long, it is steep, but it is beautiful.
At the bridge, after taking a moment to enjoy the serenity of the creek, we took a left on Whittemore Gulch Trail. The trail returns to single track, and with fewer trees and a little more sun, we began to see the beginnings of spring. The birds were singing their words of encouragement, the banana slugs were out in full force and the wildflowers were beginning to bless visitors with their displays. Now almost 11 miles in, I was at peace.
Whittemore trail makes a steady climb, switch backing out of the canyon, until connecting with the Northridge trail at about 13 miles. Making a sharp right onto Northridge trail we made our final ascent back to our cars.
With a leisurely pace, to allow for a thoroughly experiential day among the redwood giants, we finished this 15ish mile hike in just about 8 hours. It can certainly be done faster, but much will be missed. I encourage everyone to come prepared with the mindset to soak it all in.
I will return.