Whittemore Gulch Loop

The Whittemore Gulch Loop is a 6.5-mile loop in the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. It is a wonderful area for hiking, trail running, and nature photography. The route begins off Skyline Boulevard in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The loop can also be accessed on its western end at Purisima Creek Trailhead. There is quite a bit of parking for the trailhead off Skyline Boulevard, but the area can become quite crowded, especially on sunny weekends. There are bathrooms available at both trailheads.
Whichever way you decide to take the loop, it does include a notable climb and descent, and is not to be taken lightly. In the areas of higher elevation, beautiful views open up toward the ocean in the west and of the lush, rolling mountains to the north and south. In the lower elevations, the atmosphere is much more quiet, as the trail meanders through coast redwoods and maidenhair ferns. Banana slugs are a common companion on the trail. Be prepared for changing weather, as the temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and in different areas of the route. The trail can also become quite muddy during and after rain, so bring appropriate footwear. For more information about Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, check out the website at https://www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods.