A Hike to the Past

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

From the Skeggs Point parking lot, cross Skyline Boulevard and walk north along the road for 0.1 mile to reach the trailhead. Follow signs for Tafoni Trail as they lead into the shady forest. Several wildfires have left their mark on the landscape, and many of the massive redwood trees have scars of charred bark.

At the intersection with Fir Trail, bear right to stay on Tafoni Trail. Shortly after the intersection, a spur trail leads to the Tafoni sandstone formation. This massive rock is a relic from when the Santa Cruz Mountains were below the ocean, and have since been weathered into an otherworldly honeycomb pattern.

Return to Tafoni Trail and continue west as the path descends deeper into the forest. Turn left onto El Corte de Madera Creek Trail, and then left onto Resolution Trail. This trail is the site where a DC-6 airplane named Resolution crashed in 1953. Metal scraps can still be found along the trail. (Please leave artifacts where you find them.)

As the trail continues, the trees open up and the ground becomes rockier. Bright red manzanita bushes give this stretch a vibrant pop of color. At the intersection with Fir Trail, keep left to visit the memorial for the nineteen passengers and crew in the plane crash.

Follow signs for Fir Trail as they lead back into the forest and all the way to Skyline Boulevard. Cross the street to return to the parking lot.

The Skeggs Point parking lot is located on Skyline Blvd. in Redwood City. Map.

El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. Pedal bikes are welcome on designated trails. No dogs.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner