hard
Activities
Purisima Creek and Whittemore Gulch Information
This hike meanders through redwoods and along a creek before climbing up to a more exposed ridge and back down to another stream in a quiet forest.
Watch for:
Look for huckleberry shrubs, madrone, tan oak, and lots of banana slugs!
Hiking Details for Purisima Creek and Whittemore Gulch
Distance: 9.1-mile loop
Elevation change: 5,528′
Hiking time: 5 – 7 hours, depending on your route
Trail surface: Packed dirt
Best Season: All year
Managing agency: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Parking lot location: Click here for directions
Overview: The Purisima Creek and Whittemore Gulch hike will make you put in work for some great ridge views.
Take the Purisima Creek Trail to the Craig Britton Trail, then the Harkins Ridge Trail, North Ridge Trail and Whittemore Gulch Trail. The Whittemore Gulch Trail is open to bicyclists and equestrians, though some activities may not be designated on all trails within the Preserve. Please see the preserve map for more information on what activities are allowed in this preserve.
Purisima Creek and Whittemore Gulch Photo Gallery
More About Purisima Creek and Whittemore Gulch
POST protected Purisima Creek as part of our Saving the Endangered Coast Campaign back in 2005, established with a gift of $2 million from Save the Redwoods League. The Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. This open space features amazing views of the coast and Half Moon Bay, visible from the northern part of the preserve.