Half Moon Bay State Beach – Purisima Creek Trailhead loop from Johnston Ranch
Half Moon Bay State Beach – Purisima Creek Trailhead loop from Johnston Ranch
4.7
(8020)
9,265
riders
Half Moon Bay State Beach – Purisima Creek Trailhead loop from Johnston Ranch
02:45
51.4km
820m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Tips
The surface along some of this route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 1.48 km for 1.54 km
After 27.0 km for 56 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.26 km
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
11.0 km
Tunitas Creek Road and The Bike Hut
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
26.1 km
Skyline Boulevard - Purisima Creek section
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
27.0 km
Purisima Creek Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
37.3 km
Mountain Pass
Mountain Pass
51.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
26.4 km
13.1 km
8.28 km
2.10 km
830 m
764 m
Surfaces
46.6 km
3.01 km
1.46 km
368 m
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Elevation
Highest point (640 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
19°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a road cycling route that truly earns its "moderate" difficulty rating, the Half Moon Bay State Beach – Purisima Creek Trailhead loop from Johnston Ranch is a fantastic choice. This 31.9-mile (51.4 km) journey packs in 2682 feet (817 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 2 hours and 44 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a challenging road cycling experience with diverse scenery.
What to expect on Half Moon Bay State Beach – Purisima Creek Trailhead loop from Johnston Ranch
This route offers a dramatic shift in scenery, starting with expansive ocean views and coastal breezes along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. As you head inland, the landscape transitions through rolling coastal hills and eucalyptus groves before you begin the significant ascent into the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Here, you'll be immersed in dense redwood forests and fern-filled canyons, with the sounds of Purisima Creek accompanying your climb. The terrain is mixed; while coastal sections are paved, the Purisima Creek Trail itself is an old dirt fire road with gravel, making it particularly challenging on a road bike due to steep, unpaved inclines. This loop is best suited for cyclists with very good fitness who are prepared for both paved and unpaved sections and substantial climbing.
Planning your visit
When planning your ride, be aware that while much of the route is paved, the Purisima Creek Trail section is unpaved dirt and gravel, which can be difficult for traditional road bikes, especially if muddy. This section is better suited for gravel or mountain bikes. Parking is available near Johnston Ranch, and considering the significant elevation gain, ensure you carry enough water, especially on warmer days. The best season for cycling Half Moon Bay trails like this one is typically spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the coastal fog is less prevalent.
Trail details
- Distance: 31.9 miles (51.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 2682 feet (817 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 44 minutes
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