Hiking Trails for Purisma Creek Redwoods!
🌲🏞️ Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this stunning natural retreat offers a variety of hiking trails, old-growth redwood forests, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature! Here's everything you need to know:
🚘 Parking:
- The parking lot at Purisima Creek can accommodate about a dozen cars and tends to fill up quickly on weekends.
- If the parking lot is full, you can park along the white line outside the parking area.
🌟 Hiking Trails:
1️⃣ North Ridge Trail:
- Length: 4.4 miles
- Climb: 1361 ft
- This trail is our top recommendation.
- The first half takes you through wooded areas, while the middle section offers stunning views of mountains covered in clouds.
- The latter part of the trail takes you through clouds, providing a magical experience.
- You'll also spot starry wildflowers along the way.
- Pros: Suitable for all skill levels, great for families with kids.
- Cons: Not a loop trail, so you'll have to return the same way. However, the changing light will provide different views on the way back.
2️⃣ Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge Loop Trail:
- Length: 7.6 miles
- Climb: 1853 ft
3️⃣ Whittemore Gulch and Purisima Creek Loop Trail:
- Length: 9.3 miles
- Climb: 2109 ft
- This trail tends to have more hikers.
4️⃣ North Ridge, Whittemore Gulch, Purisima Creek, Borden Hatch Mill, Grabtown Gulch, Craig Britton, and Harkins Ridge Loop:
- Length: 14.6 miles
- Climb: 3418 ft
🌲🏞️ Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve offers a range of hiking trails for all levels, stunning views, and a chance to connect with nature. Pack your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 🌲🏞️
#hiking #naturelovers #redwoods #outdooradventures #SantaCruzMountains #coastaltrails #PurisimaCreek #scenicviews #wildflowers
