To avoid the hassle of getting a permit for access to the La Honda Creek Preserve, I park at a small turnout on Bear Gulch Road (022), run down to Allen Road (011) and start heading towards the preserve. This is the worst part of the run as it's over pavement, and to make matters worse I run across it twice! At the parking lot (012) I head left, down a trail to the "Big Tree" (013), a giant redwood that escaped the logging saws. It makes for a nice spot to fuel up. Next, I start heading back the way I came in but go left at the fork in the trail. This takes me past the private residence (014). Across the street, past the abandoned cabins is the trail to the Vista. Go check this place out for a stunning view of the coast and the western slopes of these hills (015). I spent some time there just looking out towards the ocean and down through the valleys while a pair of curious Red Tail Hawks froliced overhead. Time to go.
On my way out I took a left down a trail (016) that looped way out and connected to a path that brought me back to the parking area for the presreve (012). Once here it's back on Allen Road and the annoying pavement. Back out on Bear Gulch I find a trail head that marks the start of Spring Board Trail (017). I take it. This is all down hill for a while until I reach the junction to Steam Donkey (019). Here is where I get a true kick in the ass! Steam Donkey is steep, rocky, wet and seems to never end!! At the top of the trail (021), which is on Skyline, I go right to get back to Bear Gulch Road and to my car.
This is more of a sights and sounds video I shot while running Highlands in La Honda Creek. Behold a massive old-growth redwood, and take a gander at some extensive storm damage in El Corte de Madera Creek.
View »
|
= Degree of difficulty. 1 paw is an easy run. 5 could hurt!!
