Sunrise on North Ridge Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

There is a kind of quiet you only get before sunrise.

In Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, that quiet has a soft edge. You hear creek water first. Then you hear wind in the high trees. Then, if you pause, you may hear nothing at all.

North Ridge Trail is a solid place to meet the day. It starts high. It has open spots where fog can lift. And it drops into redwood shade when the sun gets sharp.

What to expect on a sunrise walk here

This is not a “summit at dawn” hike. It is calmer than that.

You will walk in low light. The air can be cold, even in spring. The trail can be damp. You may see fog move like slow smoke through the trees.

The preserve is open from a half hour before official sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Dogs are not allowed in this preserve.

A simple sunrise route on North Ridge Trail

Keep the plan easy. You can always add miles later.

1.       Start at the North Ridge trailhead.

2.       Walk out on North Ridge Trail for 20 to 40 minutes.

3.       Pick a safe spot with room to step off the tread.

4.       Watch the light change.

5.       Turn back when you are ready.

This out-and-back style works well at sunrise. It also keeps route stress low. You do not need to “make a loop” to have a good morning.

Timing that works

Aim to start walking 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise.

That gives you time to:

·         park with less rush.

·         turn on your headlamp.

·         let your eyes adjust.

·         reach a viewpoint before the first bright light.

If you start right at sunrise, you may miss the best part. The best color often comes first.

What to wear and bring

For an early start, comfort matters more than speed.

Bring:

·         a headlamp with fresh batteries.

·         a light warm layer.

·         a shell if fog or drizzle is in the forecast.

·         water, even for a short walk.

·         a small snack.

·         a paper map or an offline map on your phone.

Wear shoes with grip. Redwood trail can hold moisture. Roots can be slick.

One trailcraft tip for sunrise: use a “soft beam”

Most headlamps have a bright mode. You do not need that most of the time.

Use the lowest light that still lets you see the tread. Point it down at your feet, not out at eye level.

A soft beam helps you in three ways:

·         You keep your night vision.

·         You see roots and rocks with less glare.

·         You are kinder to other hikers and to wildlife.

If another person is coming toward you, tilt your light down. It is a small act. It feels big at 6 a.m.

Stay on trail, even in the dark

It can feel tempting to step off trail to “find a better angle.” In a redwood zone, that can crush small plants and soft soil.

If you want a photo, take it from a safe, durable spot. Step on rock, gravel, or bare ground when you can.

A note on silence

You do not need to be silent. But you can be gentle.

Try this:

·         Keep voices low.

·         Avoid loud music.

·         Pause now and then.

·         Let other sounds come back.

When the day starts to warm, you can talk more. The trail will be busier. The quiet will shift.

If you have more time

Once the sun is up, you can extend your walk.

You can:

·         keep going on North Ridge Trail for more ridge views.

·         connect to another trail and make a longer loop.

·         drop down into deeper redwoods, then climb back.

Just keep your exit plan clear. In spring, fog can return fast. And damp trail can stay slick.

Plan your next dawn

Sunrise hikes build a skill that transfers.

You learn how to:

·         pack light but smart.

·         start calm.

·         move with care in low light.

·         read weather in real time.

If you want a guided sunrise walk, or you want help picking a route that fits your pace, The Wildland Experience can help.

Hike. Explore. Craft.## Parking and trailheads

Purisima Creek Preserve has more than one way in.

For a sunrise walk on North Ridge Trail, most people start at the North Ridge entrance near Skyline Boulevard.

Arrive early if you can. On clear weekends, parking can fill.

If you do not get a spot, do not force it. Pick another entrance or choose a different day.

Share the trail

This preserve is popular with hikers. It is also used by other trail users.

In low light, stay alert.

·         Listen for bikes.

·         Keep right on the tread.

·         Step off the trail only where there is safe space.

A calm “good morning” goes a long way.

A simple safety check before you step off

Ask yourself three questions:

6.       Can I see the trail edge.

7.       Is the ground firm.

8.       Do I know my way back.

If any answer is “no,” slow down and stay on the main path.

When the fog is thick

Fog is part of the charm here. It is also a factor.

If fog is thick:

·         Keep your pace slow.

·         Use bright colors on your outer layer.

·         Stay close to your group.

·         Turn around sooner.

The goal is not to push miles. The goal is to start your day well.