Venue Change: Purisima Creek/West (7 mi, 1400 ft) - CHALLENGING

ETA: After discussion, the hike organizers have decided to change the venue to Purisima/Higgins Canyon Rd.

HIKE STATS:
Start Time: 10am
Distance: 7 mi loop or 9 mi loop
Estimated Hike Time: 3.5 to 4 hrs
Elevation change: 1400 ft
Difficulty: CHALLENGING (for elevation)
Event Type: Open
Event Organizer: Erelyn, Justin, Sheila

NOTE: JUNE 15th is Father's Day. If this changes your plans to attend, please update your RSVP.

This 7 MILE loop hike has about 1400 FEET of elevation and brings us through the breathtaking Purisma Creek Redwood Open Preserve. The trailhead is at the WESTERN entrance of the park - not at the main entrance. You may want to cross-check maps and written directions below to help out with your morning travel plans. There is an optional route that's 9 miles for folks if we have enough takers.

Both of these options will be challenging. If you are new to hiking or unsure about whether you can keep up with the group, please wait for an outing that's a good fit for you. We have lots coming up in the pipeline - so you won't have to wait long!

* Parking at the trailhead is very limited to SHARING RIDES is strongly encouraged. This keeps our MROSD friends (the ones who give us permits) even happier!
* As always, be sure to bring WATER, snacks and an extra layer (like a windbreaker)
* The route HAS been posted to the files section. Extra points for all Hikalites who print and pack their own map!
* While hiking under the redwoods will be cool, hiking at the top of the ridge is open and can be sunny and/or hot. You'll be happy if you pack for both.
* No pets, please

This is a challenging hike; however it is open to all members without restriction. An open hike does not mean an easy hike. It only means that no special permissions are required to attend the hike.

Please be aware that we expect you to take responsibility for your safety while we are out on the trails. This means arriving prepared, remaining aware and participating with the other really wonderful folks who are part of the group on hike day. We understand that your "Yes" RSVP to this event means you accept this.

If the hike is full, please RSVP "No" and add a comment asking to be added to the wait list. Our folks are really, really good about keeping their RSVP status current and the wait list works REALLY well. Please remember that it is NOT OKAY to come to this hike unless you have a "Yes" RSVP for yourself and any guests you'd like to bring. We might be forced to turn away those who show up without a "YES" RSVP.

We are really looking forward to seeing YOU there. Here is a link to more awesome infor from the infamous Bay Area Hiker site about this hike.

CARPOOLS:
Fewer cars at the trailhead is always happiness. Meetup does not organize carpools; however we are a friendly group with lots of folks who are interested in sharing rides. If you'd like to offer a ride, please leave a comment in your RSVP letting folks know where you're coming from and how many spaces there are. If you'd like to ride as a passenger, it is YOUR JOB to check the website RSVP list and contact any of the nice people offering a ride to see if they still have a space for you. If you're a passenger and your plans change, please be sure to let the driver know.

DIRECTIONS:
From the junction of CA 1 and CA 92 in San Mateo County, drive south 1.2 miles, then turn east onto Higgins Canyon Road (formerly Higgins-Purisima Road). Drive on this narrow road about 4.2 miles, to the trailhead on the left side of the road (just past the tiny white bridge).

TRAILHEAD DETAILS:
Parking for about 10 cars. No entrance or parking fees. One designated handicapped parking spot. Pit toilet less than 0.1 mile up the trail. Maps available at the information signboard, also less than 0.1 mile from the trailhead. There is no direct public transportation to this trailhead.

POST-HIKE REFRESHMENT LOCATION:
Although it's not an official part of the hike, a big friendly group of us often mange to make our way to a fine local establishment for post-hike refreshments and cheer. All recommendations are considered; however CHEAP, plentiful food is goodness. There is no pre-planning involved so spots that can roll with a big group arriving are usually a good fit. We always like to make sure everyone can have something to eat, so variety is also nice.

** Today's Winner **