Quarry Park Information
DIRECTIONS
The 40-acre community park is nestled within the historic community of El Granada, located 25 miles south of San Francisco, and just 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay's historic district. From Highway 1 in El Granada, exit at Coronado St. and follow the signs. The entrance to Quarry Park is located at the corner of Santa Maria Ave. and Columbus St. Facing the park sign, the main entrance is to the left and the Tot Lot and the Meadow are to the right.
The park is open to the public and within walking distance of the Coastside trail along the Pacific Ocean.
FACILITIES
The Meadow, to the right of the park entrance, is Quarry Park's newest feature. With support from the Lions Club, the Boy Scouts, San Mateo County, and others, the Meadow features a vault toilet, picnic tables and barbeques, animal-proof trash and recycling cans, and a treehouse play structure. The Meadow, to the right of the park entrance, has a path leading to the adjacent Tot Lot. The Tot Lot is a small children's playground with a jungle gym, a swing set, picnic tables, and a restroom. Along the trails within the park, the first point of interest is the Quarry Floor, a large open, flat area that is excellent for picnics, games, and events. The next point of interest is a small wetland about two-thirds of the way up the quarry face. Finally, the most spectacular point of interest is the Vista Point. From here, you can enjoy one of the best views along this section of the coast. You will notice as you wander that the trails are well marked and the trees are being carefully removed to enhance the views. The park is young; and as you return, you will notice changes taking place. In the meantime, the map and the tour will help guide your visit.
ACTIVITIES
Favorite activities of park users include hiking, jogging, horseback riding and picnicking. The spectacular vistas, wildlife, and native plants make for excellent nature photography. Local plant specialists have identified over 40 native plants, mostly concentrated on the north slopes. In the spring and early summer, a show of wildflowers brightens the park. Animal species in the area include bobcat, gray fox, opossum, raccoon, and black-tailed deer. The are over 50 bird species in the area including Anna's hummingbird, Brewer's wren, brown towhee, chestnut-backed chickadee, and red-tailed hawk. Two wetland areas have been identified by the presence of Pacific tree frogs, willows, and other wetland species. During the winter and early spring, vernal (spring) pools are active with life on the Quarry floor and on the terrace above.
HISTORY OF QUARRY PARK
Quarry Park For a quick history of Quarry Park, please follow this link: History.
RULES
Quarry Park is a day-use (dawn to dusk) park open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians. Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept under control at all times. To protect the beauty of the park, no unauthorized vehicles are allowed.
Please, no hunting, smoking, fires or fireworks! We ask that visitors report violations to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office at (650) 573-3701 or (650) 363-4911.
QUARRY PARK TOUR
The Meadow and the Tot Lot are to the right of the Quarry Park entrance at Santa Maria and Columbus St. To reach the hiking trails, follow the unpaved road (extension of Santa Maria) through the pedestrian/equestrian gate. At the first fork, continue straight, and at the second fork turn left to get to the Quarry Floor - the first point of interest in the park. The Quarry face offers a glimpse into the geological heart of the mountain - Mesozoic age Montara Granites.
The next point of interest - the terrace wetland - about two-thirds of the way up the quarry face - can be reached by following the trail heading up the right side of the quarry face.
Finally,
to get to the most spectacular point of interest - the Vista Point - go
back down to the main trail and turn left as you leave the quarry to continue
uphill. As you ascend, watch on your right for a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.
Follow the signs - at a fork in the trail, go left and then left again at
the second fork to a large flat area - the top edge of the quarry face is on your left through
the remaining eucalyptus trees. Follow the boardwalk to
the Vista Point viewing area. Please heed the DANGER! sign as it is a 30 foot drop to
the ledge below. Here, you can see an awe-inspiring view of Pillar Point and the
Pacific Ocean (click on the image for a larger view).