Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay State Beach
Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay State Beach
4.9
(8936)
8,937
riders
Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay State Beach
02:31
48.8km
740m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 9.93 km for 139 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
3.39 km
Kelly Ave Railway Depot historic site
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
5.77 km
Burleigh H Murray Ranch 🌲 State Park, Higgins Rd entrance
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
9.99 km
Purisima Creek Redwoods trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
15.8 km
Verde Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
33.5 km
Purisima Creek Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
39.2 km
Higgins Canyon Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
47.9 km
Half Moon Bay Library
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
48.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
43.2 km
5.39 km
131 m
107 m
Surfaces
42.0 km
6.60 km
107 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (230 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 18 June
21°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 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 packs a punch with diverse scenery and a solid workout, the Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay State Beach is definitely worth your time. This moderate 30.3-mile (48.8 km) road cycling route features 2437 feet (743 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for cyclists with good fitness who want to experience coastal beauty, pastoral farmlands, and dense redwood forests all in one ride.
What to expect on Purisima Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Half Moon Bay State Beach
This loop is a journey through California's varied landscapes, starting with the dramatic ocean views along the California Coastal Trail near Half Moon Bay. As you head inland, the scenery quickly shifts to quaint, grassy valleys and farmlands before you begin the climb into the Santa Cruz Mountains. You'll wind through dense redwood and oak forests on Purisima Creek Road, then transition to Higgins Canyon Road, which offers a scenic passage through more farmland and eucalyptus groves. Expect steady climbs on both Purisima Creek Road and Higgins Canyon Road; for instance, Higgins Canyon Road involves a 3.4-mile ascent with an average gradient of 4%, making it a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy a good climb.
Planning your visit
Starting your ride from Half Moon Bay State Beach offers a charming beginning and end to your adventure. Parking is available, and it's a great spot to fuel up before or unwind after your ride. The inland portions of Higgins Canyon Road and Purisima Creek Road are known for relatively light traffic, especially on weekdays, which makes for a more peaceful cycling experience. Be aware that some sections of Higgins Canyon Road are narrow and lack a shoulder, so stay alert, especially on descents with sharp curves. The best time to road cycle this Purisima Creek Higgins Canyon loop is typically on a clear day to fully appreciate the coastal and mountain views.
Trail details
- Distance: 30.3 miles (48.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 2437 feet (743 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 31 minutes
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