Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
On a warm Saturday morning, we started our hike from the trailhead at eight o’clock. The Whittemore Gulch Trail, located within the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in California, offers a pleasant loop of approximately seven miles. This trail runs along the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features an initial downhill section followed by an uphill climb toward the end, with a total elevation gain of 2,400 feet.
As we walked along the shaded trail, we were surrounded by towering tree canopies, lush western sword ferns, and bright yellow wildflowers like star thistles, with coastal scrub dotted along the way.
We began our hike by taking a left turn onto the Whittemore Gulch Trail, moving in a counterclockwise direction. However, we accidentally added an extra mile by going out and back on the North Ridge Trail. In total, my hike ended up being seven and a half miles. The detour was still enjoyable, with plenty of wildflowers in bloom. Along the way, I spotted California quail, a hare hopping away, and fluttering butterflies, which made the journey feel special.
We eventually returned to the designated trail, which offered stunning views of the lush valleys and the open ridgeline. As the trail twisted and turned, the morning sun filtered through the bigleaf maples, filling the air with the delightful aroma of fresh foliage. We were careful with our footing as a banana slug slowly made its way along the trail, leaving a trail of slime behind.
As the trail curved, we could hear the refreshing sound of babbling brooks. The sound of water always reminds me of the vitality of life. The footbridge along the Purisima Creek Trail invited us to take a break. A narrow path led down toward Purisima Creek, which teemed with rushing water during the spring. The creek’s edge was adorned with lush ferns. The gushing water and thick shade kept the trail cool and the ground moist, providing relief from the day’s heat. Unlike the previous hike, the same trail which was engulfed in mist provided clearer views.
We hiked the Harkin Ridge Trail, a challenging uphill trek through the preserve. Along the way, we spotted towering coast redwoods that can reach heights of up to 400 feet. After living in California for over a decade and hiking this trail multiple times, I still find the coast redwoods breathtaking. I feel a deep connection to the sacredness of these magnificent trees.
The challenging trail winds through a well-maintained redwood forest, reminding me that human-created problems are insignificant in the larger scheme of things. The universe encompasses much more than the struggles of humankind. These stunning second-growth trees are hundreds of years old, surrounded by an understory filled with ferns, hogweed, thimbleberries, and plumeless thistle wildflowers. The scent of the redwoods is elusive; it comes and goes. I would inhale deeply, trying to catch a whiff of it. The air is infused with a mild spice and a hint of floral sweetness, accompanied by earthy undertones of dry redwood logs and dirt. In some areas, the majestic trees block out all light, leaving the understory dim and hidden. They insulate the forest and help keep the heat at bay.
The final climb was steep, offering a good challenge for my endurance, and it provided magnificent views of the coast and Half Moon Bay from the northern part of the preserve. I spotted violet iris, nootka rose, and yew along the way, while being careful to navigate the exposed, sturdy roots and rocks on the trail.
Overall, it was a beautiful, peaceful, and worthwhile experience to spend four hours in early May on this trail; planning to return next spring!
