Hike to an Old-growth Redwood

Purisima Creek Old-Growth Hike

Distance: 6.0 miles

Elevation change: 1,800 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Season: This hike is accessible and enjoyable all year.

Getting there: This hike starts at the Grabtown Gulch Trailhead. From Highway 35, follow Tunitas Creek Road west for 1.3 miles.

Parking: Along Tunitas Creek Road — View map

Hike Description: 

On hot summer days, there is no better escape from the heat than under a redwood canopy, let alone that of an old-growth redwood tree. This 6-mile out and back hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve leads right to the base of one.

Along the way to this majestic and very gnarly tree (its deformities are likely why it wasn’t cut down by commercial logging in the early 1900s), there are stunning coastal views and plenty of shade. It also offers some good elevation gain, as it goes up and over Bald Knob, part of a 481-acre parcel that was purchased by POST in 1993 and later transferred to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for inclusion in the preserve.

The hike starts at the Grabtown Gulch Trailhead along Tunitas Creek Road, where parking is limited. Proceed down Grabtown Gulch Trail for .3 miles, before turning left onto the Bald Knob Trail. Here you will begin a 1.5-mile uphill section through tanoak, madrone, Douglas fir and redwood.

When you reach Bald Knob the trail comes to a T intersection, stay to the left along the wide and grassy Irish Ridge Trail, named for the Irish family that settled there early in the mid-19^th century. Along this trail keep an eye to the West to enjoy sweeping views of the ocean. And, watch out for banana slugs – last time I was out there I must have seen hundreds!

After hiking along for a mile on the Irish Ridge Trail, you will reach another intersection: Stay to the right and proceed about 100 feet until you are at the base of one of the more unique and enchanting redwoods I have seen in the area. Once you are done marveling at its grandeur, follow your steps back to the trailhead.