Travel / Thursday, 20-Nov-2025

New Bay Area Park Rich in Outlaw Legends

New Bay Area Park Rich in Outlaw Legends

Members of Jesse James's gang allegedly once hid out in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

The Bay Area’s newest park, La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County, was once a haven for outlaws, according to local legend. “Common knowledge” has it that two members of Jesse and Frank James’s outlaw gang fled Missouri and hid out at Ray Ranch in the 1860s (which still exists in the preserve); another tale has it Jesse James himself faked his own murder and laid low in Dunsmuir. 

Lost & Found
26 Amazing Nature Facts to Impress Your Hiking Partners
Here’s What it Takes to Build a New Trail
Finding Life After the Best Job in the Outdoors

Follow Us

Newsletter

Be the first to know about new products and promotions.

Subscribe with your email

Tranding

Tags

trendglee

Fresh, fast, and fun — all the entertainment you need in one place.

© Trendglee. All Rights Reserved. Designed by trendglee