Finding Fall in the Redwoods

Fall Color Hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods

Hundred-foot-redwoods, flowing creeks, yellow-tinged sycamores, big views of the Pacific—all these are on the Thanksgiving menu at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, just east of Half Moon Bay. This rugged 3,000-acre preserve was established with the help of a multimillion-dollar gift from the Save the Redwoods League. Start on the Purisima Creek Trail under a multicolored canopy of redwoods and sycamores, hiking along the creek past lush ferns and luminous big-leaf maples. If you're looking for an easy out-and-back hike, just follow the creek for a mile or two and then turn around. If you prefer a 7-mile grand tour with a series of ups and downs, continue along the Purisima Creek Trail, then veer up Craig Britton Trail and down Harkins Ridge trails. Craig Britton Trail is a sweet singletrack cut into the side of a lush canyon; at one picturesque point it crosses a wooden bridge. Enjoy the change of scenery as you move from dense redwood forest to an open ridge that reveals miles of galloping hills all the way to the ocean. After completing this hike, you'll have bragging rights for Thanksgiving—even if you lose that game of Trivial Pursuit.

Park at the western entrance of the preserve on Higgins Canyon Rd., off of Hwy. 1, east of Half Moon Bay. For directions go to the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve website. Pick up a map at the trailhead. Be sure to have shoes with good traction for the hike down Harkins Ridge Trail. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View