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El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve: Redwood Majesty and Coastal Vistas

Explore redwood forests, discover unique sandstone formations, and enjoy panoramic coastal views at this scenic open space preserve.

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El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, locally known as Skeggs Point, offers over 34 miles of trails through redwood forests and chaparral-dotted hills. Once a site of intense logging in the late 1800s, the preserve now showcases regenerated forests, unique sandstone formations, and panoramic views.

A brief summary to El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots, particularly Skeggs Point, can fill up quickly.
  • Bring your own water, as there is no drinking water available within the preserve.
  • Download a trail map or pick one up at the trailhead, as cell service can be spotty and the trail system is extensive.
  • Wear layers, as the weather can change quickly, and the forest can be cool even on warm days.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Redwood City, take CA-84 West towards Woodside. Continue on CA-84 for approximately 6.6 miles to Sky Londa, where it intersects with CA-35 (Skyline Boulevard). Turn right onto CA-35 North and drive for about 2.8 miles to the signed entrance for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. There are several parking areas along Skyline Boulevard. Note that some GPS systems may incorrectly direct you to Skeggs Point if you enter 'El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve,' so use the address 16040 Skyline Blvd., Woodside. Parking is free.

  • Biking

    From Redwood City, an ambitious bike ride will take you along CA-84 West towards Woodside. The climb is significant. Follow CA-84 to Sky Londa and turn right onto Skyline Boulevard (CA-35). Continue a few miles north to reach the various access points to El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Be prepared for a challenging uphill ride and ensure your bike is suitable for the terrain. Parking and access are free.

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Discover more about El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve

El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, often called Skeggs Point by locals, spans 2,908 acres in San Mateo County, California. This vast preserve features a diverse landscape, from dense redwood forests to open, chaparral-covered hillsides. Historically, the area was heavily logged in the late 19th century, with up to 15 sawmills operating in the area. The name 'El Corte de Madera Creek' translates to 'the cutting of wood,' a testament to this past. Evidence of this history remains, with logging roads now serving as trails and occasional glimpses of old equipment. However, the forest has largely recovered, with dense stands of second-growth redwoods filling the canyons. The preserve offers over 34 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Popular trails include the Tafoni Trail, which leads to unique sandstone formations with cave-like indentations, and the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail, which follows the creek through lush redwood groves. Visitors can also find panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean from vista points along the Fir Trail. A notable landmark is the Methuselah Tree, an 1,800-year-old redwood, one of the largest in the Santa Cruz Mountains outside of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. In October 1953, a British Commonwealth Pacific Airline DC-6, named Resolution, crashed into the side of the mountain within the preserve, killing all aboard. The Resolution Trail is named in memory of this event, and sharp-eyed hikers might spot small pieces of wreckage. Today, El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve stands as a testament to nature's resilience and the importance of conservation.

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