Submitted by the Event Organizer
Here’s a great free weekend hike idea from SFGATE’s Madeline Wells.
This 50-foot monolith nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains is an otherworldly marvel best enjoyed in silence, without anything but the soft chirping of birds to distract you from its majesty. The tafoni sandstone formation is a rare geologic wonder situated a short hike into the El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, located about an hour south of San Francisco.
Winding down the dirt path to the tafoni, SFGATE’s Madeline Wells felt like Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine. The towering monolith looked more like an asteroid from another planet than something you’d stumble upon on a casual hike through California greenery.
Getting There:
El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, Methuselah Roadside Parking, 17288 Skyline Blvd., Redwood City. Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.
Carved into the imposing, moss-covered face of the rock was a web of intricate patterns, varying from dark, cavernous holes a hobbit could comfortably sleep in to delicate constellations too tiny for even baby Yoda. The 50-foot feat of nature could crush her in its rubble if it felt like it, and for that, she had no choice but to respect it.
For more hikes in the Bay Area and around California, check out SFGATE Outdoors.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
