Burleigh H Murray Ranch State Park
A peaceful, wooded park with a gentle trail leading to a rare 1800s dairy barn, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Green scenery & birdsong
Burleigh H Murray Ranch State Park
Best Time
Green scenery & birdsong
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful, wooded park with a gentle trail leading to a rare 1800s dairy barn, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers.
"A mile walk into a historical barn with a prize at the end any young explorer would enjoy!"
Beware of Poison Oak!
Poison oak is prevalent. Wash with dish soap after your visit. :warning:
Limited Parking
Arrive early as parking is limited to 10-12 cars. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Dairy Barn
End of the main trail
Discover a rare dairy barn from the late 1800s, a fascinating glimpse into local history.
Scenic Creek Walk
Along the main trail
Enjoy a gentle, family-friendly walk alongside a babbling creek, especially vibrant in springtime.
Bird Watching Paradise
Throughout the park
An amazing spot for birdwatchers, with many species spotted by visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Poison Oak Alert
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beware of Poison Oak!
Poison oak is prevalent. Wash with dish soap after your visit. :warning:
Limited Parking
Arrive early as parking is limited to 10-12 cars. :car:
Family-Friendly Trail
Easy, gravel path perfect for strollers and young explorers. :child:
Great for Birding
Bring binoculars for excellent bird watching opportunities. :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
Beware of Poison Oak!
Poison oak is prevalent. Wash with dish soap after your visit. :warning:
Limited Parking
Arrive early as parking is limited to 10-12 cars. :car:
Family-Friendly Trail
Easy, gravel path perfect for strollers and young explorers. :child:
Great for Birding
Bring binoculars for excellent bird watching opportunities. :bird:
Historical Gem
The 1800s barn is a unique historical find. :barn:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Burleigh H Murray Ranch State Park for its easy, family-friendly trail leading to a unique historical dairy barn. The scenic creek and abundant birdlife are also highlights, making it a relaxing escape close to Half Moon Bay. Some caution is advised regarding poison oak and limited parking.
"Gentle slope on an easy, 1-track, gravel, car-wide, family-friendly trail with a prize at the end of 1 mile that any young explorer or local history fan would enjoy! Very close to downtown Half Moon Bay, so easy to add to an itinerary. Springtime is green & full of birdsong & the tinkling of rushing water. Parking at the trailhead for 10-12 cars; 2 porto-potties along the route, 2 picnic tables too."
kaliador18
"A short video to share with you.
https://youtu.be/k9I8rDmtb5o?si=-ugZjGCgnwtr1CBm
Quiet and historical trail to walk through. An easy route even with raining. Few parking slots without fee. Only 40 minutes away from Stanford. Relaxing at any time. A back-and-forth trail."
Denny Liu
"Nice mile walk into historical barn. A trail further goes deeper into two wooden water tanks but used trail diminishes into brushes and stinging nettles. It would be great if there is connecting trail to Purisima Open Space. The trailhead parking is just off the road, so there is no direct connect to the Coast."
NichtGuteFürSie Nimmer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located just off the road near downtown Half Moon Bay. Parking is available at the trailhead, which can accommodate about 10-12 cars. It's also only about 40 minutes from Stanford.
Information on direct public transportation is limited. It's best to drive, as parking is available at the trailhead.
The trailhead parking is directly off the road, and there isn't a direct connect to the Coastside trail system from this specific entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the park and its trails is free. There is no fee for parking at the trailhead.
The park is generally accessible for day use. Specific hours are not always posted, but it's typically open from dawn until dusk.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. Simply drive to the trailhead and park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main trail is a gentle, 1-mile, single-track gravel path that is wide enough for cars. It's considered family-friendly and leads to the historic dairy barn.
Yes, there are two porto-potties available along the route of the main trail.
Absolutely! There are two picnic tables available for visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the park's natural beauty.
The trail is described as a car-wide gravel path, making it generally suitable for strollers. However, its single-track nature might present some challenges for wheelchairs on certain sections.
The park is a fantastic spot for bird watching, with visitors reporting sightings of numerous species. You'll also enjoy the sounds of the creek.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the late 1800s dairy barn, the scenic beauty of the creek and its stone bridge, and the abundant birdlife. Springtime offers lush greenery for vibrant shots.
Yes, the park offers opportunities for nature photography, especially for birdwatching and capturing the serene creek environment. Be mindful of poison oak when composing your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Advice: Keep a close eye on children to ensure they avoid poison oak, which is common in the area. Parking is limited, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot for your family outing.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Pro-Tip: While the main trail is well-maintained, venturing further might lead to overgrown paths. Stick to the primary route for the best experience and be prepared for potential encounters with poison oak.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Dairy Barn
Traveler Tip: While the barn is the main attraction, some visitors note that trails beyond it can become overgrown and lead into dense brush, so sticking to the main path is often recommended for a more straightforward experience. The barn itself is a fantastic subject for photography, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
Navigating the Trails and Nature
Important Safety Note: Be aware of poison oak, which is present throughout the park. It's crucial to identify it and avoid contact. If you suspect you've touched it, wash the affected area thoroughly with dish soap as soon as possible after your visit. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with many species noted by visitors, making it a great spot for nature observation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit