Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

Yesterday was a spectacular clear day for a hike with my College of San Mateo class at Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve. We met at the main Skyline Boulevard parking lot, which is 4.5 miles south of Highway 92. We then carpooled 2 miles farther south to a small parking lot at the uphill end of the Purisima Creek Trail. That way we could walk one way for 5.8 miles. This 4,711-acre preserve is steep, scenic, and ecologically diverse. It is one of my favorites.

The first 1.8 miles is downhill into the second-growth redwood forest. We then turned right (north) on the Craig Britton Trail, pausing at the bridge over a small creek for lunch. This narrow trail, which is also part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, snakes its way through the shady redwoods and then breaks into the sun and chaparral on the south facing slope of  the ridge just north of Purisima Creek. There we got some great views and saw a woodrat nest.

At the north end of the Craig Britton Trail we turned right (east) on the Harkins Ridge Trail. This is by far the steepest part of our hike. Our efforts were rewarded, however, by a stunning view of mountains and ocean to the west

. It was clear enough to see Half Moon Bay and Pillar Point. The trail then enters the redwoods again, with a pause to take a quick look at the legendary Ohlone Whisper Tree.

The final part of the route offers a choice between the steep .3 mile road route and the .5 mile trail route that is less steep and more scenic. Most of us took the scenic route.