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One of Redwood City’s more interesting features is a rock. Not just any rock, but one that is a 50-foot high monolith complete with rugged features and caves! It’s the largest of its kind in San Mateo County.
Located in upper Emerald Hills, about midway between Jefferson and Edgewood Road and along Handley Rock Trail, you’ll find this huge rock. It offers great climbing for the enthusiast. And for those who enjoy caves –even small ones –they are a part of the landscape.
The Name
So who is Handley Rock named after? Info here is a bit sketchy, however here’s what is available- Local history tells us John Handley owned a swath of local farming land in the late 19th century- early 20th century. He was also Deputy Assessor. His son Richard was a San Francisco police officer. Handley had several daughters, most of whom were teachers.
Richard was a towering figure. Approaching 7 feet in height, he was well over 250 pounds. Although not official, it may be Richard, who the huge rock is named after.
In the 1980s, efforts were made for the land to become a public park. However, that didn’t materialize. So in 1989, a group of locals volunteered to maintain the property, which became known as Handley Rock Park. Visitors can picnic, rock climb, explore the caves, and enjoy the vistas from the largest rock of its type in the county.
Everything else is just history.
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphases on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
