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Routes
Gravel rides
United States
California
San Mateo County

Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

Routes
Gravel rides
United States
California
San Mateo County

Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

The best gravel rides in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

4.8

(3)

27

riders

5

rides

Gravel biking in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed) primarily refers to the surrounding Tunitas Creek area, as the preserve itself is currently undergoing development. This region is characterized by coastal foothills, deep canyons, and dense redwood forests, transitioning into open ranch land. Tunitas Creek Road, a key route, features a consistent climb with significant elevation gain, offering varied terrain suitable for gravel bikes. The area provides a mix of habitats, including coastal scrub and dense forests, with expansive views…

Last updated: July 11, 2026

3

riders

#1.

Purisima Creek Trailhead – Purisima Creek Road loop from Martins Beach Public Parking

42.4km

03:35

1,140m

1,140m

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

2

riders

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

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Popular around Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

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Hiking in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

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Tips from the Community

David B. Davis
August 31, 2025, Pulgas Water Temple

A fun, pretty place to stop while riding CaΓ±ada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.

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Andrus
May 29, 2025, Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach offers a serene coastal escape with sandy shores and scenic vistas. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline or explore the nearby California Coastal Trail, which provides stunning ocean views and connects to other local attractions.

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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, β€œI give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”

1

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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.

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Lisa
September 28, 2024, Water Dog Lake

This lake is actually an obstructed stream, once dammed up to provide water to nearby Belmont. Now it's a fantastic recreation site, with several loops of trails that are good for hiking, running and biking.

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This scenic, championship-level course offers 36 holes of golf on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

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This nature preserve has more than a mile of multi-use trails β€” mostly singletrack. It's also a serious hot spot for birding, and there's access to a quiet beach as well.

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Exactly what it says on the tin! The truth is that most of the trail along Half Moon Bay is nice and flat, making for an easy, casual ride with incredible views.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve currently closed to the public?

Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve is currently undergoing development to reopen as Don Horsley Park. While the preserve itself is closed, the surrounding Tunitas Creek area, particularly Tunitas Creek Road, remains a popular destination for gravel biking.

When is Don Horsley Park (formerly Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve) expected to reopen?

The preserve is undergoing development to reopen as Don Horsley Park. Additionally, Tunitas Creek Beach, a nearby natural feature, is also closed for construction and is set to reopen as a San Mateo County park in Summer 2026. Specific reopening dates for Don Horsley Park are not yet publicly available.

What kind of terrain can I expect when gravel biking in the Tunitas Creek area?

The Tunitas Creek area offers diverse and challenging terrain. Tunitas Creek Road features a consistent climb through varied landscapes, transitioning from coastal foothills and open ranch land into dense redwood forests. While largely paved, portions can be unpaved or have gravel, especially after maintenance, making it suitable for gravel bikes. You'll encounter redwood forests, deep canyons, and coastal hills.

Are there any challenging gravel bike routes in the Tunitas Creek area?

Yes, the Tunitas Creek area offers routes with significant elevation gain. For a challenging ride, consider the Pulgas Water Temple – Water Dog Lake loop from Huddart County Park, which is rated as difficult and features over 1,500 feet (450 m) of ascent over 21.7 miles (35.0 km).

What are some scenic gravel bike routes near the Tunitas Creek area?

The region is known for its scenic beauty. You can find routes that offer expansive views of coastal grasslands and immerse you in redwood forests. For a coastal experience, the Miramar Beach – Wavecrest Open Space Preserve loop from Cowell Ranch Beach Trailhead leads through coastal landscapes and open space.

Are there any moderate gravel biking options available?

Yes, there are several moderate options. The Skeggs Point – Blue Blossom Trail loop from Skeggs Point is an 8.7-mile (14.0 km) trail with over 1,390 feet (420 m) of elevation gain, offering a moderate challenge. Another popular choice is the Skegg's Point – Skeggs Point loop from Skeggs Point, a 7.4-mile (11.9 km) path with over 1,360 feet (410 m) of ascent through forested sections.

What unique amenities or points of interest can I find along gravel bike routes in the Tunitas Creek area?

A unique stop in the area is The Bike Hut, a self-serve oasis at the base of Tunitas Creek Road. It provides refreshments, supplies, and emergency bike parts on an honor system, fostering a strong sense of community among riders.

What is the best time of year for gravel biking in the Tunitas Creek area?

The Tunitas Creek area transitions through varied landscapes, including redwood forests that offer welcome shade. While specific seasonal recommendations vary, the diverse terrain and coastal influence generally make it enjoyable for gravel biking across many seasons, though checking local weather conditions is always advisable.

What do other gravel bikers say about the routes in the Tunitas Creek area?

The routes in the Tunitas Creek area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 20 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs and scenic beauty.

Are there any longer gravel bike routes for extended rides?

For a longer ride, consider the Miramar Beach – El Granada Beach loop from Half Moon Bay. This moderate route covers 20.6 miles (33.2 km) and features over 500 feet (150 m) of ascent, offering an extended experience along the coast.

What kind of natural features and habitats can I observe while gravel biking here?

Beyond the redwoods, the Tunitas Creek area encompasses a mix of habitats, including coastal scrub, coastal dunes, and dense forests of Monterey pine and Monterey cypress. You might also spot vegetation like California sagebrush, coyote brush, and coastal marsh milk-vetch. The creek itself is a 6.6-mile perennial stream originating from King's Mountain.

Most popular routes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

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