The best walks and hikes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

No, Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve and the adjacent Tunitas Creek Beach are currently closed to the public. The area is undergoing construction to become Don Horsley Park, with a projected opening in the summer of 2026.

The preserve is closed for a major development project to create a new, safer, and more accessible park. The project includes building new trail systems, an ADA-accessible bluff area, restrooms, and official parking to provide managed public access while protecting the natural environment.

A popular alternative is the nearby Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, which is highly regarded by local hikers for its magnificent redwood forests and canyon trails. Another excellent choice is El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, known for its unique sandstone formations and extensive trail network for hiking and horseback riding.

Yes, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a great option for hiking with your dog. It features a 366-acre off-leash area and numerous trails that wind through canyons and over ridges, making it a favorite for local dog owners.

For stunning coastal scenery, the Cowell Purisma Trailhead to Half Moon Bay State Beach route is an excellent choice. This trail follows the coastal bluffs, offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.

Yes, for a strenuous workout with significant elevation gain, consider the Purisima Creek Trail Loop. This difficult 10.3-mile (16.6 km) hike takes you deep into shaded redwood canyons and is a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers.

The area offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes. You'll find everything from dense, shady redwood forests and deep canyons in places like Purisima Creek to open grasslands with panoramic views at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. The coastline features dramatic sandstone cliffs and broad, sandy beaches.

The Grabtown Gulch Trail & Borden Hatch Mill loop is a fantastic circular route. It's a moderately difficult 6-mile (9.7 km) trail that immerses you in a dense redwood forest within Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

The trails in this region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the majestic redwood trees, the well-maintained trails through the canyons, and the stunning coastal views available on many routes.

While Tunitas Creek itself is closed, the surrounding Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District offers a vast network of trails. On komoot, you can explore over 70 curated hiking routes that showcase the region's diverse redwood forests, coastal bluffs, and rolling hills.

Plans for the new park include a 1.5-mile loop trail that will provide a safe and scenic path down to the beach and back. There will also be brand new routes for hikers, including a future segment of the California Coastal Trail, designed to accommodate various ability levels.

For a less strenuous walk, the View of Bald Knob loop from Woodside is a great option. It's an easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) loop with minimal elevation gain, offering pleasant views and a manageable distance for a family hike.