Hike through the rain in Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

Whether you're coming from Half Moon Bay or from San Mateo, take CA highway 92 into the mountains and turn south onto Skyline Boulevard at the top of the pass.  The trailhead is on the west side of the road and has plenty of parking.  I did this hike on a rainy day, which produced some cool picture, but I can only assume it is equally great on a clear day.  Borrow a map from the dispenser at the trailhead. There are plenty of options within this Open Space Preserve.  Check out the route I took here.  You can also view a map of the whole area here.  

Within the first half mile, the trail splits in two for about half a mile.  When the two forks meet again, you can choose to take the North Ridge Trail or the Harkins Ridge Trail.  Whichever you choose just determines whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise.  I chose the North Ridge Trail down to Whittemore gulch because it meant that at the bottom I could pick between taking the 7.2 mile loop - which I chose - or the longer one, which would have been over 10.  The hike does get steep at times.  If it is raining, I highly recommend using the Harkins Ridge Trail for the uphill portion.  It is wider and has better grip.

Take breaks at neat redwood groves.  My favorite was at the lowest elevation on the hike.  The creek formed pools that were fun to hop around.  

My favorite part about this preserve is the amount of options.  You can take a quick 3-mile out-and-back along the North Ridge or carve a 15-mile loop through the densely forested valleys.  Enjoy!