The Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve was established to protect the last remaining redwoods in the canyon. There used to be seven working mills along the canyon banks, milling redwoods for the booming city of San Francisco. By 1900 all only a few trees were left standing, those that were not considered useful.

The 4,711-acre preserve overlooks Half Moon Bay, stretching along the western sides of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Purisima Creek Canyon is at the heart of the preserve, with its creek, magnificent redwoods, and dense understory of berries, ferns, and wildflowers. From the northern end of the preserve the views of Half Moon Bay are magnificent. There are several wonderful hiking trails through the preserve, with varying levels of difficulty.

Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA, Phone: 650-691-1200

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