A Mysterious Woodland Trail In Northern California Will Take You To Burleigh H Murray Ranch Ruins

Tucked away in a pristine valley just south of Half Moon Bay is a little-known state park where natural beauty and history combine. Burleigh H. Murray Ranch is a pleasant destination where visitors can experience solitude while getting a glimpse into the area’s fascinating ranching history. The park’s main trail leads hikers to the long-abandoned structures of what was once a successful dairy farm. Seemingly frozen in time, seeing these old ruins is a beyond unique experience!

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park is a historic ranch property south of Half Moon Bay. Offering solitude, groves of mature eucalyptus, and rich wildlife, this little-known state park makes for a serene adventure.

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Home to the old ruins of a historic ranch that was established in 1857, exploring this park is a real treat. Consisting of 1,325 acres of pure beauty, visitors can explore the park via a hiking trail that departs directly from the parking area.

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The trail is the old ranch road that winds its way alongside Mills Creek. The hiking trail is wide and mostly flat - it’s more of a walk, really! Following the trail, you’ll be led to a 1930s bungalow that serves as a park residence.

Walter Schwartz/Alltrails

At this point, the trail branches off the main road and crosses the creek. Following this portion of the trail, you’ll get an up-close glimpse at century-old outbuildings and the Mills Barn. Left in a state of arrested decay, these old ranch buildings are stunning to witness - you can’t help but ponder about their history.

Susan Stienstra/Flickr

The Mills Barn is the most prominent of the site’s structures. Dating back to the late 1800s, it’s considered a good representation of an English Lake County Bank barn. Capable of housing up to 100 dairy cows, it’s one of just two examples of a bank barn in California!

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Continuing on past the barn, the trail veers into a narrow valley surrounded by gorgeous woodlands. After about a mile, you’ll walk past the old wooden water supply tanks. Shortly after this, the trail fades away marking its completion.

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Burleigh H. Murray Ranch is a real hidden gem near Half Moon Bay. Exploring this old ranch site, you’ll be swept away by their almost-eerie beauty. Learn more about the park and the hiking trail here.

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Did you know about this incredible state park that’s hiding out in Northern California? Make it your goal to explore this little-known woodland trail for yourself!