Tafoni Trail, Woodside CA

• 4-star hike
• 5 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 950 feet
• Woodside, CA | San Francisco Region
.
The image shows a wooden boardwalk curving around a large tafoni rock formation in a forest. The tafoni rock is characterized by its honeycomb-like weathering patterns and is covered in patches of moss. Tall trees surround the area, and the ground is covered with leaves and other forest debris.

The image shows a wooden boardwalk curving around a large tafoni rock formation in a forest. The tafoni rock is characterized by its honeycomb-like weathering patterns and is covered in patches of moss. Tall trees surround the area, and the ground is covered with leaves and other forest debris.

Explore the rare and unusual geological curiosity that is tafoni, found on this heavily wooded trail in the Santa Cruz Mountains, parallel with the cities of Woodside and Palo Alto.

Named for an Italian geologist, the tafoni at El Corte Madera Creek is comprised of eroded sandstone and illustrates some of the most spectacular patterns of its type. Deep, rounded, cavernous voids in the rock have been created by exposure to the elements.

The preserve offers many trails to explore. Folk curious to visit the tafoni alone may choose an out-and-back three mile route along Tafoni Trail. Our recommendation for a longer trail, and the one included in our trail route, continues to the end of the Tafoni Trail and returns along Fir Trail to make a complete loop.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Tafoni Trail 5.1 mi loop, easy, gain 950 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

We've also marked on the map the location of a 1953 DC-6 airplane crash which sadly resulted in the death of all 19 people on board. Twisted medal and other pieces of wreckage can still be found in this area.

The Skeggs Point parking lot for this trail is located on CA Rte 35 (Skyline Boulevard) around 8½ miles South of the junction with CA Rte 92 to Half Moon Bay. If approaching from the north, there is no left turn into the parking lot and you'll have to continue on and make a U-turn and double back. The trailhead is just north of the parking lot.

The image shows a forest trail covered with fallen leaves and bordered by various types of vegetation, including ferns and moss-covered trees. The trail winds through a lush, dense forest, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for hikers or nature enthusiasts.

The image shows a forest trail covered with fallen leaves and bordered by various types of vegetation, including ferns and moss-covered trees. The trail winds through a lush, dense forest, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for hikers or nature enthusiasts.

Tangents:
• Official: El Corte de Madera
• Wikipedia: Tafoni
• AllTrails Public: El Corte de Madera Creek Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Edgewood County Park (2 mi) · 3★ Wunderlich Park (5 mi) · 4★ Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (6 mi) · Show Map

San Francisco Bay's Best Trails
For great hiking trails throughout the Bay Area check these out.

Best hiking trails and rail trails in California

Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.