Burleigh H. Murray Ranch
🏆🏆 Coastal Ranch Heritage — Historic 1,325-acre ranch in the San Mateo coast hills near Half Moon Bay
Burleigh H. Murray Ranch preserves a 1,325-acre historic ranch property in the coastal hills south of Half Moon Bay. The ranch dates to the 1860s and its pastoral landscape of rolling grasslands, riparian corridors, and coastal oak woodland provides a window into California’s ranching heritage. A trail follows Mills Creek through the property past a historic red barn, a stone bridge, and remnant ranch infrastructure that evoke the agricultural character of the San Mateo coast before Silicon Valley suburbanization.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Half Moon Bay, CA (San Mateo Coast) |
| Size | 1,325 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Trail | Mills Creek trail (~3.5 mi round-trip) |
| Heritage | 1860s coastal ranch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ranch barn still standing?
Yes — the historic red barn is one of the trail’s highlights. The stone bridge and other ranch structures also survive along the Mills Creek trail.
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About Burleigh Murray Ranch
Burleigh H. Murray Ranch preserves a historic coastal ranch in the hills above Half Moon Bay on the San Mateo coast. The 1,325-acre property features a beautifully restored 1860s barn — one of the finest examples of pioneer agricultural architecture on the California coast. Rolling grasslands, coastal scrub, and creek riparian habitat make this a diverse ecological preserve.
Things to Do
Hiking the 1.5-mile ranch road through grasslands to the historic barn, birdwatching in the creek riparian area, and enjoying the pastoral coastal landscape. The ranch offers a window into California’s ranching heritage.
Insider Tips
Hidden coastal ranch: Tucked in a valley behind Half Moon Bay, this former cattle ranch preserves a rare slice of the San Mateo Coast’s agricultural heritage. Pro tip: The 1,325-acre property features a stone barn built by Italian immigrants in the 1850s — one of the most photogenic historic structures on the coast. Quiet trails: Unlike crowded coastal parks, Murray Ranch sees few visitors — perfect for a peaceful hike through coastal scrub and grassland.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Wildflower bloom and green hillsides. Fall: Warm weather and golden grass. Winter: Migrating raptors. Summer: Coastal fog keeps it cool — bring layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the barn worth seeing?
Yes — the hand-laid stone barn dates to the 1850s and reflects the Italian stone masonry traditions the builders brought from Europe. It’s one of the oldest surviving agricultural structures on the San Mateo coast and a testament to the immigrant ranchers who shaped California’s coastline.
🐴 Visit Burleigh H. Murray Ranch
1,325-acre coastal ranch — historic barn and creek trail near Half Moon Bay.
Wildlife & Nature
Burleigh H. Murray Ranch — 1,325 acres on the San Mateo Coast — preserves a historic coastal ranch with a trail following Mills Creek through a picturesque valley. The ranch’s English-style bank barn (1890s) is a registered California Historical Landmark. Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers hunt the grasslands. Bobcats prowl the creek corridor. Steelhead trout may migrate through the creek.
Nearby Attractions
Half Moon Bay — 5 miles north — has the famous Pumpkin Festival (October) and Mavericks surf break. Purisima Creek Redwoods — nearby — has redwood hiking. San Gregorio State Beach — 5 miles south. Pescadero — 10 miles south — has artisan bakeries and Harley Farms.
