Harkins Fire Trail

The Harkins Fire Trail features moderately technical mountain biking with excellent seaside views.

Rolling through the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, the Harkins Fire Trail is ridden as a loop in combination with the Whitmore Gulch trail. Along the way riders will find steep climbing, tight switchbacks, exposed sections with drop-offs and multiple rock gardens.

The Harkins Fire Trail moves steadily through coastal Redwood groves and then into open scrub forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, allowing for excellent views of the California Coast and Pacific Ocean. Nearing the top of the trail, the Harkins Fire Trail links with the Whitmore Gulch Trail for descent back down to sea level.

The trails of the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space can be linked with other complexes in the area to extend mileage and riding time. A suggested route combination is with the El Corte de Madera Complex.

The Harkins Fire Trail is a multi-use area and riders should understand and practice appropriate right of way protocol. Riders should carry a first aid kit, bike repair kit and extra water and food. A map of the area does come in handy.

From the Highway 1-Highway 92 junction in Half Moon Bay, go south on Highway 1. After passing through Half Moon Bay, take a left onto Higgins-Purisima Creek Road after 1 mile. Once on Higgins-Purism Creek, head straight at the fork and look for parking about 2 miles past the fork.