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Hike the Crystal Springs Trail Loop

Redwood City, California

Details

Distance

5.6 miles

Elevation Gain

1300 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Brennan McDonald

This beautiful loop hike in Huddart County Park allows hikers to witness giant second-growth redwoods, walk over trickling streams, and explore forests of pacific madrone and manzanita.

This is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer.

Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next trail intersection as the path slowly drops into a deeply wooded canyon. After winter rains, even before you arrive at the bottom of McGarvey Gulch, you will be able to hear the sound of a rushing stream. Cross the bridge and stay to the left to remain on the Crystal Springs trail, which now climbs uphill out of the gulch. At the intersection with the Chaparral Trail, turn left and continue for the next 1.2 miles on the same path. Stay straight as the trail turns into the Sprout trail until you reach the Richards Road Trail, on which you will climb to the maximum elevation of your hike. Turn left on this fire road, and you will pass by a series of group camps that will be filled with people during the summer. Remain on this for the next 1.2 miles, climbing through redwoods, pacific madrones, and oaks as the elevation increases. Turn left at the intersection with the Summit Springs trail, and then quickly make another left onto the Crystal Springs Trail (once again). You will go downhill on this path for 0.8 miles through a similar mixture of trees as before. At the intersection with the Dean Trail, turn right and soon you will enter a densely wooded canyon full of redwoods. The bridge will mark McGarvey flat, at which hikers cross the same stream as earlier. Stay on the dean trail even as you cross paths with the Archery Fire Road to slowly make your way down the wooded hillside. After about 1.3 miles, turn right onto the Campground Trail, bringing you into the maze of Huddart Park's picnic areas. From this point, navigate back to your parked car. 

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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