Burleigh H. Murray Ranch in California, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property is a California State Parks historic ranch near Half Moon Bay. An old ranch road follows Mills Creek toward a bank barn and surviving farm buildings. Choose it for a walking visit rather than camping, and bring your drinking water.

Follow the ranch road toward Mills Barn

• Mills Creek walk: follow the former ranch road through the valley.
• Bank barn: view a building designed against a hillside, with access to two levels.
• Historic farm setting: the barn and outbuildings remain in a deliberately conserved, weathered state.

Prepare for a day without drinking water

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Carry water and plan the return walk

Bring drinking water before leaving Half Moon Bay. The route continues beside the creek before leaving the road near a 1930s bungalow to cross toward views of Mills Barn. Leave enough daylight for the return, and treat the historic structures as viewing subjects rather than climbing features.

Respect the road and resource restrictions

Dogs must remain on the service road, attached to a leash no longer than six feet. Fires, fireworks and drones are prohibited. Leave the buildings, creek corridor and vegetation undisturbed.

Arrange events and commercial photography

Events and weddings require permits. Commercial photography also requires a permit. Call the San Mateo Coast office at 650-726-8819 to discuss an event; the published film and photography contact is 650-726-8815. An event permit does not create an overnight camping option.

Turn inland from Highway 1

From Highway 1 south of the Highway 92 junction, turn east onto Higgins-Purisima Road. Continue a little over 1.5 miles to the park. A small gravel visitor parking area sits just inside the gate. Use the official park map to keep the ranch property distinct from neighboring preserves.

Nearby parks and preserves

Half Moon Bay State Beach’s Francis Beach entrance is at 95 Kelly Avenue, back toward the coast. Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve offers a nearby forest option via Purisima Creek Road, where parking is very limited. Its dog policy differs: ordinary pet dogs are not permitted.

Make the historic road the focus

Walk beside Mills Creek toward the bungalow, about a mile along the ranch road, then follow the trail as it crosses toward views of the barn. Spend time looking at how the barn uses the hillside. Keep this a walking and observation outing; the site does not provide an overnight stay.

Expect simple visitor facilities

The park lists parking and restrooms. Drinking water is unavailable, so a restroom listing is not a promise of a water refill. Contact staff about any specific accessibility requirement; the old road and creek crossing should not be assumed to form an accessible route.

A protected remnant of a dairy ranch

A late nineteenth-century barn preserved in place

California purchased the ranch property in 1983. Mills Barn dates to the late nineteenth century and stands beside perennial Mills Creek. Its hillside construction makes it a bank barn, allowing access to different floors from the surrounding ground.

Observe the creekside setting

Mature eucalyptus groves and the Mills Creek corridor form part of the ranch landscape. Watch quietly from the visitor route and leave wildlife space rather than approaching an animal for a photograph.

Contact the San Mateo Coast office

Call 650-726-8819. The official ranch page provides permit contacts and current visitor information.