La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve

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.

Public access is currently available in two unconnected parts of the Preserve.

Upper La Honda Creek features 3.5 miles of shorter sections of trail through forest and redwoods. Due to parking limitations, a no-fee permit is required for access to Upper La Honda Creek.

Lower La Honda Creek offers 7.9 miles of trail through open rolling grasslands. Trails run through an active grazing operation, and visitors may encounter cattle and ranchers. A no-fee permit is required for equestrian parking at the Event Center, all other visitors park at the Sears Ranch Road lot.

Dog Access Limited:

Dogs allowed on Grasshopper Loop Trail, except from August 1 through December 15, to protect the health and safety of visitors and livestock during calving season.
Dogs allowed on all trails in upper La Honda Creek, permit required for access

Additional Information

Activities

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Dog Walking

Rules & Regulations

Dogs Permitted

No Biking

No Illegal Substances

Dogs On Leash

No E Bikes

Accessibility Description

Grasshopper Loop Trail – 1.3 mi. This un-paved trail traverses working ranchlands with grazing cattle, coastal grasslands, oak woodlands and redwood forests with expansive viewpoints along the way. The trail has an elevation gain of 30 feet along approximately 3,000 feet. Dogs on leash allowed except during calving season: Aug. 1 – Dec. 15.

Visit the Easy Access Opportunities page for additional information.

Regulations

Hours: Open half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed only on designated trails in this Preserve. Must be controlled on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times. Dogs are allowed only in designated preserves or areas as posted. Dog walkers are required to bag and remove all dog waste from the Preserve by packing it out. Moving dog waste off trail is not permitted. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Midpen accommodates service dogs in Preserves wherever we allow public access. For more information visit the Dog Accesspage.
Bicyclists: Bikes are NOT allowed in this Preserve. For information on preserves open to bikes visit the Bicycle Access page.
Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails in this Preserve. Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.
Groups: For safety reasons, permits are required for all groups of 20 or more people.
Permits: A use permit is required for any activity or event which: may be attended by twenty (20) or more people; OR is advertised or noticed in any publication, poster, electronic posting or flyer; OR requests/requires a fee be paid for participation. Visit the Permit page for more information.
Fires: Fires are prohibited on preserves.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited on preserves.
Weapons: Weapons of any kind are prohibited on preserves.
Plants and Animals: Please leave plants and animals undisturbed. This not only preserves the natural environment, but is also a safety precaution.
Water Areas: Swimming wading, or engaging in any water-contact activity in any water areas of the District is prohibited.