This is a small, little known, densely wooded park within the Santa Cruz Mountains. There are 20 miles of trails that will take you through redwood forests, undergrowth lush with ferns, grasslands and chaparral. During the rainy season, you are sure to see orange-bellied California newts and roaming yellow banana slugs-watch your step! In spring, visitors come to see the uncommon, delicate native Calypso orchids.
For a beautiful run, take the Little Butano Creek Trail, it is about three miles long. It begins a half mile from the park entrance, past the Mill Ox Trail, and before the campground. Most of the interior is dominated by towering old growth redwoods and moss covered Douglas Firs, along the creek. The trail is smooth, soft dirt, covered with redwood duff and is well maintained. Several spots have fallen trees which need to be climbed over. Towards the end, the path converges with the fire trail that leads back to main road. The steep Goat Hill Trail can be accessed from the fire trail and adds on another two miles.
On clear days, take in the Ano Nuevo Trail to the overlook for an amazing ocean view. It is approximately one half mile from the parking lot and 800 feet up.
Pescadero is a wonderful stop while riding in the San Francisco Peninsula. One of my favorite rides starts at Hwy. 92 and Cañada Road. Ride to Woodside, and continue on Woodside Road to Portola for a short distance. Climb Old La Honda Road, and enjoy the solitude and views of La Honda (Hwy. 84). At 84 and Stage Road, you can ride past or visit several of the San Mateo Coast State Beaches, San Gregorio, Pomponio, or Pescadero Beach, via Hwy. 1. At Pescadero Road, turn on Cloverdale, it is another 5 miles to the park entrance. There are several posts in front of the ranger station, you can lock up your bike if the ranger is on duty. Call ahead to arrange. The ride back can be very strenuous- Hwy 1 to Tunitas Creek, aka "Tendinitus Creek" to Skyline Blvd. (hwy. 35) or backtrack from where you started. Parking at one of the beaches or at Sky Londa cuts down the mileage if you want to do a brick workout when you get to Butano State Park.
Facilities: restrooms and drinking fountain at the parking lot. Vehicle entrance fee is $5.00. (415) 879-2040.Tips:
Weather
can be misty and cool. Take a waterproof jacket.
There
are several good stops to buy local organic fruits and vegetables near
Half Moon Bay if driving to the park. Tom and Pete's Produce is one of
them.
Directions:
280
or Hwy. 92 to Half Moon Bay
Hwy.
1 to Pescadero, go 15 miles south
Turn
left on Pescadero Road
Right
on Cloverdale Road for 5 miles to the park entrance.
You
may also take 280 to Pacifica to Hwy. 1 for a different, scenic route return.
Devil's Mountain Slide is open after severe earthquake damage, however,
it is not recommended to ride your bike along this part of the Cabrillo
Hwy. (Hwy. 1).
Tri Home.