Offering magnificent views of the coast, colorful wildflower displays in the spring, and immersion into a historic ranchland, La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is an ideal spot to escape the pressures of everyday life. The more than 6,100-acre preserve, considered by many as the gateway to the San Mateo Coast, features forests and redwood to the north, open rolling grasslands to the south, and spectacular panoramic views of the coast and ridgelines throughout.
Notice of Change to On-Leash Dog Access in Upper La Honda
In accordance with the La Honda Creek Open Space Master Plan, designated trails in Upper La Honda Creek Preserve (as shown on map) are open to on-leash dog access.
A no-fee permit is required to park in the upper portion of the preserve. No parking is allowed outside the gate or along Allen Road.
Public access is currently available in two unconnected parts of the preserve.
Dog Access Limited: Dogs are only allowed on designated trails in Upper La Honda Creek, accessible by permit only.
Sharing the Trail with Cattle
Cattle are large animals and can be intimidating, but they are not aggressive by nature. Keep your distance and walk around groups of cows, allowing plenty of space.
Find out more about hiking with grazing animals.
Along Trail to the Vista Point
Along Trail to the Vista Point © R. Birnel
Waterfall
Waterfall © Deane Little
Sunset
Sunset © Ross Finlayson
View from Vista Point
The Vista Point © Ross Finlayson
Wild Iris
Wild Iris © Deane Little
Lower La Honda Creek
Upper La Honda Creek
Lower La Honda Creek
Get driving directions:
Upper La Honda Creek
The only vehicle access to northern La Honda Creek Preserve is by permit on Allen Road. There is no parking outside of the preserve gate.
This information is updated as needed when trails are opened or closed, or when there is scheduled trail maintenance. Visit the full Trail Conditions page for more information.
The following trail may be closed to hiking and equestrian use during wet conditions.
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve was established in 1984 with the purchase of a 255-acre property. Following many additional land acquisitions, the preserve now encompasses over 6,100 acres. Over 4,500 acres of these lands, including the former Driscoll Ranch, were purchased by the Peninsula Open Space Trust and transferred to Midpen to add to the preserve.
In order to manage the preserve’s rich ecological and cultural resources, and to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and education, Midpen completed a comprehensive 30-year master plan in 2012. Through this public planning process, a preserve vision was created: to harmoniously blend recreation and ranching uses for the benefit of the land, wildlife and surrounding commuting, both present and future. As part of implementation of the master plan, Midpen has completed many land stewardship projects. Five ponds were deepened and reinforced to allow threatened California red-legged frogs to breed, and encourage the endangered San Francisco garter snake to return to the preserve. Miles of ranch roads were repaired to reduce sediment flowing to Harrington, La Honda and San Gregorio creeks, which provide habitat for endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout. Fences and springs were upgraded to support cattle grazing. Existing trails and staging areas were improved in Upper La Honda Creek, and a parking lot was constructed on the lower preserve. More trails and a staging area near the historic Red Barn are planned, which will link the upper and lower preserve areas and provide additional recreation opportunities, including mountain bicycle use, in the near future.
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan
Offering magnificent views of the coast, colorful wildflower displays in the spring, and immersion into a historic ranchland, La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is an ideal spot to escape the pressures of everyday life. The more than 6,100-acre preserve, considered by many as the gateway to the San Mateo Coast, features forests and redwood to the north, open rolling grasslands to the south, and spectacular panoramic views of the coast and ridgelines throughout.
Notice of Change to On-Leash Dog Access in Upper La Honda
In accordance with the La Honda Creek Open Space Master Plan, designated trails in Upper La Honda Creek Preserve (as shown on map) are open to on-leash dog access.
A no-fee permit is required to park in the upper portion of the preserve. No parking is allowed outside the gate or along Allen Road.
Public access is currently available in two unconnected parts of the preserve.
Dog Access Limited: Dogs are only allowed on designated trails in Upper La Honda Creek, accessible by permit only.
Sharing the Trail with Cattle
Cattle are large animals and can be intimidating, but they are not aggressive by nature. Keep your distance and walk around groups of cows, allowing plenty of space.
Find out more about hiking with grazing animals.
Lower La Honda Creek
Upper La Honda Creek
Lower La Honda Creek
Get driving directions:
Upper La Honda Creek
The only vehicle access to northern La Honda Creek Preserve is by permit on Allen Road. There is no parking outside of the preserve gate.
This information is updated as needed when trails are opened or closed, or when there is scheduled trail maintenance. Visit the full Trail Conditions page for more information.
The following trail may be closed to hiking and equestrian use during wet conditions.
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve was established in 1984 with the purchase of a 255-acre property. Following many additional land acquisitions, the preserve now encompasses over 6,100 acres. Over 4,500 acres of these lands, including the former Driscoll Ranch, were purchased by the Peninsula Open Space Trust and transferred to Midpen to add to the preserve.
In order to manage the preserve’s rich ecological and cultural resources, and to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and education, Midpen completed a comprehensive 30-year master plan in 2012. Through this public planning process, a preserve vision was created: to harmoniously blend recreation and ranching uses for the benefit of the land, wildlife and surrounding commuting, both present and future. As part of implementation of the master plan, Midpen has completed many land stewardship projects. Five ponds were deepened and reinforced to allow threatened California red-legged frogs to breed, and encourage the endangered San Francisco garter snake to return to the preserve. Miles of ranch roads were repaired to reduce sediment flowing to Harrington, La Honda and San Gregorio creeks, which provide habitat for endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout. Fences and springs were upgraded to support cattle grazing. Existing trails and staging areas were improved in Upper La Honda Creek, and a parking lot was constructed on the lower preserve. More trails and a staging area near the historic Red Barn are planned, which will link the upper and lower preserve areas and provide additional recreation opportunities, including mountain bicycle use, in the near future.
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan
Preserves are open from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official sunset.
There are no events scheduled at this preserve currently.
