Things to Do in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve is currently closed to the public for redevelopment. It is anticipated to reopen as Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach in mid-2025 or summer 2026.

Upon reopening as Don Horsley Park, plans include a 1.75-mile southern loop trail and stairs providing access to the beach for hiking. The broader region historically supported and will continue to offer road cycling, mountain biking, and touring cycling.

The area features a transition from coastal bluffs with Pacific Ocean views to dense redwood forests and deep canyons. Tunitas Creek, a 6.6-mile (10.6 km) stream, flows through diverse ecosystems including coastal scrub, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress stands. Sandstone cliffs from the five-million-year-old Purisima Formation are also present.

While the preserve is closed, hiking is available in adjacent areas like Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. These trails offer routes through dense redwood forests, shaded canyons, and coastal bluffs. For more information, see Hiking in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed).

Tunitas Creek Road is a renowned cycling route in San Mateo County. It offers a challenging ascent of approximately 9.4 miles (15.1 km) with around 2,080 feet (634 m) of elevation gain. The route connects Highway 1 to Skyline Boulevard, transitioning from coastal foothills to redwood forests. For route ideas, consult Road Cycling Routes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed).

While specific mountain biking trails within the former Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve are not detailed due to its closure, the broader Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District offers mountain biking opportunities. Nearby areas may provide off-road alternatives. For potential routes, refer to MTB Trails in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed).

Komoot offers several guides for the Tunitas Creek area, including Hiking in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed), Road Cycling Routes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed), and MTB Trails in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed). Other guides cover family-friendly hikes, easy hikes, and running trails.

The broader Tunitas Creek area has seen more than 12,000 visitors on komoot. Routes in the region have an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 stars, based on over 700 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.

While the preserve is closed, nearby areas offer family-friendly hiking options. These routes cater to various ability levels, providing opportunities for families to explore the diverse terrain. For specific suggestions, consult the Family-friendly hikes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed) guide.

For information regarding the former Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website is openspace.org. For updates on the future Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach, visit smcgov.org/parks/don-horsley-park-tunitas-creek-beach.

The Tunitas Creek region encompasses a variety of habitats, including coastal scrub, coastal dunes, and dense stands of Monterey pine and Monterey cypress. Native vegetation such as California sagebrush, coyote brush, and California coffeeberry are also present. The area is known for its transition from coastal bluffs to redwood forests.