While we’re already preparing for the next rainy season, there is still much work to be done repairing the unprecedented damage to open space and trails caused by last winter’s heavy rainfall. A grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for $8 million is helping to offset the costs of this additional and unexpected work.
Thankfully, the majority of Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve’s 23-mile trail system remains open and is accessible.
As of September 2023, the most significant closure remaining is access to Midpen’s Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve from the lower Purisima Creek trailhead entrance and parking area off Higgins Canyon and Purisima Creek roads near Half Moon Bay. This unfortunate closure is due to storm damage to the county roadway near the preserve parking area sustained in early 2023.
The good news is San Mateo County began soliciting bids to repair the roadway in August, and is expected to begin the roadwork this fall. Once the county reopens the roadway, Midpen can safely reopen the parking area and the lower trailhead for public use again. Thank you for your patience and understanding. In the meantime, Midpen crews are hard at work inside the preserve, repairing trails that were damaged last winter.
Please be aware that the open parking areas along Highway 35 fill early during busy times in this beloved and popular preserve. Midpen is currently planning to expand trails and parking at this preserve.