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Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay

Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay

Hard

4.9

(6683)

8,743

riders

Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay

02:55

37.4km

670m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 30, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.76 km

Half Moon Bay Golf Links at the Ritz Carlton

Highlight • Structure

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

Tip by

5.25 km

Manhattan Beach

Highlight • Beach

The paved Coastal Trail leads you down a set of steps to Manhattan Beach where Cañada Verde Creek disappears under the sands into the ocean. This is a popular spot with beautiful foliage during the summer, and a great spot to stop for views along the Coastal Trail.

Tip by

6.88 km

Cowell Ranch Beach Access, Harbor Seal Preserve

Highlight • Beach

Promontory cliff overlooking long stretches of beach to both sides. A steep foot trail leads down the cliffs to the beach

Tip by

7.01 km

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Highlight • Beach

The paved road dead-ends on a cliff overlooking the Harbor Seal Preserve and the long spectacular sandy Cowell Ranch Beach (southern part of Half Moon Bay Beach State Park), accessible here with a long stairway across from the trailhead restrooms. For sublime coastal biking a dirt trail heads north along the edge of the tall cliffs, and on gravel pavement going south.

Tip by

13.8 km

Purisima Creek Road

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Starting through a cute, grassy valley dotted with homes and farms, you head in toward some redwood groves that you briefly go through near the turn-around point of the road.

Tip by

21.0 km

Borden Hatch Mill 🚵 Trail

Highlight • Trail

The fire-road climb up Borden Hatch Mill Trail is a bit uneven in its grade. Its merciful stretches are around 8 to 10% grade. However, there are a number of segments where the grade hovers around 18%.

Tip by

26.9 km

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Nature Reserve

29.2 km

Purisima Creek Redwoods trailhead

Highlight • Trail

As you explore, you will find yourself surrounded by a dense canopy of trees that offer ample shade all day long. Feel free to make use of the nearby stream to take a break and fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings.

Tip by

29.4 km

Higgins Canyon Road

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Higgins Canyon Road, located near Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, California, is a scenic and narrow route that is popular among cyclists. The road begins in the quaint town of Half Moon Bay and heads inland into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Starting with a gentle incline, the road passes through farmland, horse pastures, and eucalyptus groves before climbing into dense forests of redwoods and oaks. The climb along Higgins Canyon Road is steadily uphill, but manageable, and features several sharp curves and blind corners (be alert on the descent!). The road is narrow and, unfortunately, lacks a shoulder in most areas, but the traffic is relatively light. As you climb, you are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and occasional glimpses of the distant Pacific Ocean. Higgins Canyon Road also connects to other popular cycling roads, like Tunitas Creek Road and Lobitos Creek Road, offering further opportunities for extended your ride through the scenic terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Tip by

37.4 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.8 km

9.71 km

7.75 km

4.12 km

980 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

17.6 km

17.4 km

2.39 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (500 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Today

Monday 13 July

22°C

12°C

16 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Description

If you're looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding day out on two wheels, the Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay is one of the best gravel biking routes in the area. This difficult 23.2-mile (37.4 km) loop packs in 2190 feet (667 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 2 hours and 54 minutes to complete, and is perfect for experienced riders seeking diverse scenery and a good workout.

What to expect on Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay

This route is a journey through constantly changing landscapes, starting with glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and winding through pastoral farmlands and eucalyptus groves. The highlight is undoubtedly the passage through the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, where you'll ride among lush redwood canyons, oak trees, and ferns alongside the lively Purisima Creek. Expect significant climbs, especially on Higgins Canyon Road and sections within the preserve, making this a ride best suited for those with good fitness who enjoy a hard gravel ride.

Planning your visit

The loop is accessible from Half Moon Bay, offering a convenient starting point for your adventure. While Higgins Canyon Road is paved, it's narrow with limited shoulder space, so stay alert for traffic. Within the preserve, you'll find well-maintained gravel surfaces. This route can be customized, but be prepared for the full distance and elevation if you tackle the entire Purisima Creek Road Higgins Canyon Road loop.

Trail details

Distance: 23.2 miles (37.4 km)
Elevation gain: 2190 feet (667 metres)
Difficulty: difficult
Estimated time: 2 hours and 54 minutes

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Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay Golf Links at the Ritz Carlton

Manhattan Beach

Cowell Ranch Beach Access, Harbor Seal Preserve

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Purisima Creek Road

Borden Hatch Mill 🚵 Trail

Purisima Creek Redwoods trailhead

Higgins Canyon Road

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