Found in Purisima Creek Redwoods my run starts with a thorough stretch high up on Skyline in the main parking lot. The first trailhead (006) ushers me down North Ridge to the first junction. I take my time as I move down this rugged path that soon joins Harkins Ridge (001). At this junction I head left staying on Harkins until it intersects Soda Gulch (003). Sweeping views of Half Moon Bay and Montara Mountain can be seen all along this stretch of my run. Soda Gulch is a single track that is shaded by the high redwood forest canopy. Along the way are a couple of bridges and small streams to cross as you move closer to Purisima Creek Road. At this intersection (004) I begin my lengthy journey downhill towards the main trail head on the Half Moon Bay side (005). I notice a few clearings along Purisima where old sawmills once stood during the lumbering years. At the bottom I consume a gel pack and some water before I make the brutal ascent up the harsh Harkins Ridge. I am a prodigious uphill buff and I find great pleasure when I complete this trek. A 1500 foot rise in elevation in about 2.5 miles is one kick ass climb! I pass by the trailheads that brought me to this blue-ribbon path (003, 002) and find my way back out to the lot.

Distance and Elevation Profile
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