Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve - Nature preserve in Half Moon Bay - , USA

Purisima Creek is a beautiful redwood forest with easy access from Skyline Blvd 35 and Half Moon Bay. This Open Space has a variety of trails with great views of rolling hills and green trees. When not foggy, you can clearly see the blue sea in Half Moon Bay. Most of the trails are up and down, so it takes a certain strength to finish a long run or hike. There are many ways that you can go for a short and leisure hike, though. Happy hiking! Most of the time Purisima is serene, especially under the big redwood trees, yet it may get a bit crowded on weekends and peak hiking hours.

Phenomenal walking trails! Went on a very foggy morning but it was one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done. Free parking and no entrance cost. They had maps which was very helpful.

I am glad we made a spontaneous decision to stop by for a hike at this open space preserve on the western side of the Santa Cruz Mountains halfway between Half Moon Bay and Redwood City. It was only a short drive up highway 35 and offered an easy access to the North Ridge trailhead. Both parking and hiking in the preserve is free. There was plenty of parking space on the lot and our hike offered some spectacular views of the mountains and the ocean in the distance. Please be mindful of the fact that the North Ridge trail is downward sloping and the hike back might be more difficult for someone who is not used to regular exercise.

We parked at the Redwood Roadside Parking on Skyline Blvd and took the Purisima Creek Trail. I wasn't expecting the trail to be this hard. It started at the top, and went downhill. I almost passed out coming back up lol. But overall it was a nice quiet trail. I took this trail once from Half Moon Bay side, and it was more tolerable as the trail on that end was mostly flat.

Enormous range of open space to roam and explore! Be careful to bring a ton of water. It's a vast wilderness and exhibits a full spectrum of microclimates from temperate rainforest in the valleys to arid chaparral above in the highlands. One of the finest redwood forest reserves in the Bay Area.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a very scenic Open Space Preserve for a relaxing hike with friends and family. The Purisima Creek Trail is our favorite and is one of the longest trials in the Preserve. The redwoods are majestic and the trails are incredibly beautiful, especially after the rains. Make sure you are layered appropriately, as the weather might change anytime. Also, make sure you are wearing proper footwear as the trail might become muddy and slippery, especially after rains. One of the most beautiful Open Space Preserves!

Such a great place to hike!! The view is absolutely gorgeous every way you look. There are lots of different trails to follow and different lengths as well so it’s perfect depending on how far down you would like to go. It’s right by Half Moon Bay so the weather is perfect for a hike!

Winding and narrow road to get there. I parked on roadside near a trailhead. Maybe there are parking lots somewhere else. Not crowded at all on a Monday morning. There was a simple restroom. Didn’t use it. The redwoods were awesome. The trail I took was almost completely shaded. Many wildflowers. Need to allocate more time for the rest of the trails.