As you can see this is a very long run. It was an idea of mine to combine two circuits, Purdy Pharis and Grizzly Ryder, into one extensive endurance run. The result is an 18 mile journey through three diverse parks that stretch from Half Moon Bay all the way to Woodside! This was a devastating run my first time out that sapped all my energy at around mile 16. There were a few reasons why this happened. One was that I had not prepared myself with enough water and fuel. The other was where I started from and the direction I chose to move in. I decided that the second time out I would try something different and start my run on the Half Moon Bay side. Sometimes I amaze myself! Here goes. It begins in the main parking lot of Purisima Creek Redwoods in Half Moon Bay and the entrance to Whittemore Gulch (002). Once on Whittemore I take my time heading up the skyward slopes and enjoy the serenity of this great woodland and it's wide vistas until I reach an intersection with North Ridge (001). The massive clearing I encounter at the junction is the remains of an old mill site. One of many to be discoverd along this impressive circuit. Onward. Not far ahead I find the portal to Harkins Ridge (016) and the second leg of this run. A little fuel and I'm off, moving along a tight and scraggy piece of trail. The view of Half Moon Bay and beyond from atop this ridge is one to be admired (015). In fact the home page of this site showcases a shot taken from here at dusk. Waypoint (014) is where I embark on Soda Gulch. Deep ravines, tight strands of redwoods and cascading streams abound throughout this stretch of trail. This is probably my favorite path of all. Soda Gulch opens up at junction (013) and joins Purisima Creek. Time for a little breather and some fuel before heading up. I go left and begin a 2 mile ascent up to the highest point of the run. At the top (003) I hydrate and take a short break before crossing over Skyline into the boundries of Huddart Park. I find two trails here, Summit Springs and Skyline, both of which lead to Richards Road. What the hell, Skyline it is. At the Richard's Road junction (012) is a sign and trail that usher me into the Phleger Estate. Along this primitive path I find two unmarked trailheads. I pass the first one and start my way down the second (011). This very obscure path eventually turns into Lonely at junction (010) and marks the boundries of the GGNRA. A view of The King's Mountain Fire Department on the hill above is a sure indication that this is the correct trail. As I proceed down Lonely I begin to realize the tranquility of this timberland. Second growth redwoods congest the space and serve as sentinels to the ever flowing creek that sculpts it's path down the valley floor. I find it difficult to stay focused on the trail ahead so I maintain a slower pace to avoid falling or rolling an ankle. At the next union of trails (009) I move right and get on Mt. Redondo and follow it for a pleasing stretch till I find the entrance to Miramontes (008). Miramontes offers some nice spots to cool down some as it skirts along the creek. I found that soaking my clothes, head and face in the water renewed my vigor to finish up this lengthy journey. Exiting the Phleger Estate and back out on Richards Road (007) I face what I deem to be the hardest part of this circuit. I'm feeling a bit fuddled now and I'm also out of water. To my right is some steep trail that will surely put a dent in my verve. Off I go, broken, battered and dehydrated. But I know something. Like an oasis appearing out of nowhere I enter the Huddart campgrounds and find sanctuary (006). Green trees, shade, seating, and water!! I'm saved. I take as long as I need at this stage before continuing my sally up this vexing hill. (005) marks another entrance to Richards Road as I wind my way across some pavement and through the camp. It won't be long now. I find the entry to Summit Springs (004) along Richards and make the decision to hop on it. I figured it would take me back out to Skyline at the exact location I came in (003). Sure enough, I was back on Skyline considering my descent back down to the lower elevations of Purisima. Heading down I take note of the pleasing settings found along Purisima Creek. Thick strands of second growth redwoods, clearings of lumber mills left behind, slambang trails and the engaging sites and sounds of the creek itself. A perfect blend of conditions for the tried and true trail geek as they finish off an exhausting run (002). The end.

Distance and Elevation Profile
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