Stumps & Survivors

Step into a cool redwood canyon where banana slugs cruise the mossy understory and every trail name tells a story about some of the humans who were here before. Join Docent Naturalists Catherine Xun, Susan Dunn, and Jianfei Hu to discover how loggers, squatters, and settlers transformed this landscape. On this moderately-paced hike with approximately 1,100-feet of elevation gain, you'll loop down the Grabtown Gulch Trail, follow Purisima Creek, and return via the Borden Hatch Mill Trail. This is a less frequented, very peaceful part of the preserve, so get ready for a fun exploration. Bring a snack; hiking poles recommended for steep sections. (Note: You'll meet at the main parking area of El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve and carpool/caravan on a five mile/12-minute-long drive to the trailhead; participants must stay for the duration of the hike.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after July 17 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close July 30 at 2:00 p.m.