Tafoni Sandstone Formation
Tafoni Sandstone Formation
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tafoni Sandstone Formation
Hiking
4.7
(15)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
June 18, 2022
Hiking
June 2, 2016
Hiking
The Tafoni trail to the Sandstone Formation is a …
December 5, 2019
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Tafoni Sandstone Formation
5.0
(3)
14
hikers
6.47km
01:52
170m
170m
Embark on the Tafoni, Fir, and Methuselah Trail Loop, an easy hike spanning 4.0 miles (6.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 551 feet (168 metres). You can expect to complete this scenic route in about 1 hour and 52 minutes. The trail winds through lush redwood and Douglas fir forests, offering a varied and engaging experience. Along the way, you'll encounter the unique Tafoni sandstone formation, an intricately pitted rock structure shaped by millions of years of erosion. A short detour from the Fir Trail provides panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, adding to the visual appeal of your journey.
When planning your visit, be aware that El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is a popular destination, particularly among mountain bikers. You will be sharing trails, so stay alert, especially if you hike on weekends. It is highly recommended to carry a map with you, as the preserve features numerous trail junctions that can be confusing. Also, be prepared for potentially damp terrain, especially if you are hiking during the winter months.
This loop is notable for its natural features, including the fascinating Tafoni sandstone, which showcases millions of years of geological processes. You might also catch a glimpse of the massive, 1,800-year-old Methuselah Tree, visible across Skyline Boulevard. The preserve's diverse ecosystem, with its towering redwood and Douglas fir trees, makes it a prime example of the rich natural environment found in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
10
hikers
9.88km
03:05
370m
370m
Hike the 6.1-mile Timberview, Giant Salamander, and Fir Trail Loop through redwood forests to see Tafoni sandstone and an old-growth redwood
4.3
(10)
85
hikers
7.23km
02:05
190m
190m
Explore the moderate 4.5-mile Tafoni Trail Loop, featuring unique sandstone formations and redwood forests in El Corte de Madera Creek Prese
Details
Informations
Elevation 700 m
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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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