WEEKLY

WALKER

By Tom Davids

A Sunset Hike

The Redwood Trail

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

"And as I turn me home, my shadow walks before me." Robert Bridge

Directions: West on Highway 92 to Skyline Boulevard. Turn left (south) and continue 4.5 miles to the parking area just past Kings Mountain Country Store.

Grade: Moderate.

Distance: Two miles.

Time: One hour.

Special Conditions: Watch for poison oak. Restroom available at trailhead. Dogs are not allowed. Drinking water is not available on trail, but the Kings Mountain Country Store located next to the parking lot is loaded with treats. The Harkins Trail is a multi-use trail for hikers, equestrians, and bicycles. Managed by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (650) 691-1200.

There is something about a beautiful sunset--glorious color, a sense of completion, a time for romance. In my experience, a truly great sunset in this area is hard to come by, and it takes a bit of luck to be in the right place at the right time to enjoy the final rays. More often than not, the sun lowers behind a fog bank, leaving shades of gray rather than the anticipated brilliant reds and yellows. Nonetheless, hiking off to "watch the sunset" is a worthwhile excuse to stretch your legs and grab some fresh air.

Our favorite sunset hike is along the Harkins Fire Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. A large parking lot is located 4.5 miles south of Highway 92 on Skyline Boulevard. Starting at the trailhead, take the narrow "Hikers Only" trail to your right, and descend through fir trees that cover the ridge top. In a half mile you will intersect with the Harkins Fire Trail, but along the way, your eye will catch a preview of what hiking in Purisima is all about. Bunches of forget-me-nots line the trail. Broom shrubs loaded with bright yellow flowers, in season, crowd the path as you switch back to the junction. Expansive views open up in three directions to the Pacific Ocean and the coastal communities north of Half Moon Bay.

At the junction with Harkins Fire Trail, turn left. For the next half mile, the trail moves laterally along the ridge. Twisting in and out of ravines at an elevation between 1,600 and 1,700 feet. As the trail moves out of the last ravine, it gently ascends to a knoll before descending into the Purisima forest. The knoll is your spot to view tonight's sunset. There are no logs or special sitting spots on the knoll, so you may want to take a blanket to sit on.

After the sun sets, leave quickly, and hike back to the trailhead before dark. Don't dawdle; you have only a short half hour to get back to your car before dark.

A few suggestions to guarantee your hiking enjoyment:

• Know what time the sun sets. Consult your daily newspaper.

• Wear something warm and bring a windbreaker. Early evening on the ridge is often windy and cool.

• Don't linger after the sunset. You have only one-half hour to get back to your car before dark.

• The park closes one-half hour after sunset--another good reason to hike out quickly.

• Take a flashlight, just in case.

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome. Fax to the Independent at (650) 692-7587, or e-mail to: trekertom@aol.com.