Manzanita and Gordon Mill Loop

The El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve has several parking areas. For this loop, you'll typically find access points along Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). Specific trailhead parking lots are available within the preserve, but it's always a good idea to check a detailed map for the most convenient starting point for your chosen route.

Dogs are generally allowed on leash in the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, which includes the trails making up this loop. Always check the latest preserve regulations before your visit, as rules can change.

This loop can be enjoyed year-round. Spring offers lush greenery and wildflowers, while fall provides pleasant temperatures and changing foliage. Winter can be beautiful with moss and mushrooms, but trails might be muddy after rain. Summer offers plenty of shade, making it a good option for warmer days. Clear days, especially on the Manzanita Trail, can offer expansive ocean views.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, where the Manzanita and Gordon Mill Loop is located. It is free and open to the public.

The loop offers varied terrain. The Gordon Mill Trail section is generally a wide, easy-to-follow dirt road, though it involves significant climbing. The Manzanita Trail can feature singletrack sections. You'll encounter everything from lush mixed evergreen and redwood forests to areas with native Kings Mountain manzanita, and potentially some challenging ascents and descents.

You'll experience diverse scenery, including dense forests, moss-covered trees, and various fungi. The Manzanita Trail is known for traversing areas of native Kings Mountain manzanita. On clear days, this section can offer expansive 'top-of-the-world views' towards the Pacific Ocean. The preserve also features impressive old-growth redwoods and captivating sandstone formations.

Yes, along the route, you'll pass by notable features such as the Methuselah Tree – Sierra Morena Trail Access and the impressive Methusela Tree, which are significant natural landmarks within the preserve.

This loop is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) long and typically takes around 4 hours and 27 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. It's classified as a moderate hike due to its length and elevation gain.

Yes, this loop is part of the extensive trail network within the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Sections of this route overlap with other well-known paths, including the Bay Area Ridge Trail - 04 - San Francisco and Peninsula, Oljon Trail, Blue Blossom Trail, and Spring Board Trail. This interconnectedness allows for customizing your hike.

The Gordon Mill Trail involves significant climbing. While the loop can be hiked in either direction, some hikers prefer to tackle the steeper ascents earlier in their journey. Due to the interconnectedness of trails and potential for significant elevation changes, carrying a map or using a navigation app like komoot is highly recommended to stay on your intended route.

While parts of the loop, like the wide Gordon Mill Trail, are easy to follow, the overall distance of nearly 15 km (9.3 miles) and the elevation gain of over 440 meters (1,400 feet) classify it as a moderate hike. Beginners with a good level of fitness might find it challenging but rewarding. Those new to hiking might prefer shorter, less strenuous trails within the preserve first.