Veer left onto the Stone Ridge Trail and climb another 400 feet until you reach the top of the ridge where Goat Camp is located. Start by parking at the Ventana Wilderness area ranger station and heading towards the back parking lot. The trail involves crossing the Big Sur River twice, so check conditions before you go and bring water shoes. It felt amazing but I made the mistake of not packing sandals/ water shoes because it was real rocky. The most detailed guide to hiking and backpacking in Big SurCalifornia''s Big Sur Country hugs the Central Coast some 90 miles, from Carmel south toward San Simeon. Big Sur River Gorge This half-mile off-trail hike ventures up the Big Sur River on a water-wading boulder-hopping adventure to a crystal clear pool that's a gorgeous Big Sur swimming hole. It’s also a great locale for winter and spring months when the Sierras are still socked in with snow. Park in the wide shoulder off Highway 1, between Lucia and Limekiln, then cross the street and look for the sign marking the Twitchwell Flat Use Trail. On the first crossing there are downed trees you can use as a bridge and on the last crossing into the camp ground there's a rope for balance. It is possible to hike into Big Sur via crossing the Santa Lucia mountain, but it isn’t common. Enjoy crowd-free spectacular views along the verdant, grassy hillsides before calling it a night in the woodsy wonderland of Alder Creek Camp. It starts and ends at the popular Pine Ridge Trail trailhead in Big Sur, CA and offers a challenging but rewarding backpacking experience. From panoramic viewing peaks to jumbled mazes of scramble worthy rocks, Joshua Tree National Park offers an array of trails that are truly one of a kind. In the last 0.5 miles, you'll have to scramble down rocks to get to the hot springs. There are more sites here, and the water is much more reliable. But the views are to die for. The Ventana Wilderness. The Pine Ridge Trail, a stunning 24-mile out-and-back trail that included a natural hot springs, was closed after a fire burned a large part of the area. Big Sur Trailmap provides accurate trail and camp locations based on local knowledge (GPS'd), plus locally-known "use trails", seasonal water sources, waterfalls, and other features in Big Sur state parks and wilderness areas. The Ventana Wilderness - Hiking and Backpacking Trails has numerous trail junctions, from Arroyo Seco Road the first junction is… I then retraced steps back to Vicente Flat for another night, then back to the trailhead. This is the most detailed guide to hiking and backpacking in Big Sur. The backpacking trip up to Cone Peak and back was about 22 miles long with 6500 feet in elevation gain. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. The peace and and forest sounds you get are perfect. “The trail and scenery are BEAUTIFUL. Cone Peak was amazing with views of the coastline and Ventana Wilderness. I just finished 12 nights there, two of which I spent in the backcountry of the Ventana Wilderness, part of one of the largest roadless areas along the US coastline outside of AK. This is suggested 4-day backpacking loop for those looking to spend a few days in the Ventana Wilderness section of Los Padres National Forest. Why you should go: See the southernmost grove of coastal redwoods and camp among laurels, ponderosa pines, and sycamore trees. It is the next camp past Sykes on the trail from Big Sur towards China Camp. I just finished 12 nights there, two of which I spent in the backcountry of the Ventana Wilderness, part of one of the largest roadless areas along the US coastline outside of AK. There are several ways to hike Cone Peak, and the descriptions can be a little confusing. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river twice - be careful in the winter and spring months, when the water runs fast. Park off the road and you’ll see a large, wooden sign boasting the mileage up to Vicente Flat Camp and beyond. Hiking and Backpacking Big Sur: A Complete Guide to the Trails of Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, and Silver Peak Wilderness: Heid, Analise Elliot: Amazon.sg: Books Do you need a permit to backpack in Big Sur? share. When it’s time to go, just head back the trail the way you came and consider making a donation to the parks department at the ranger station for all the hard work they do. This all-in-one outdoor stove kit has everything necessary to cook and prepare a hot tent-side meal, minus the food and water, of course — that’s on you. Once we arrived to Sykes it was so hot so we took a dip in the river. You will see views, forests, canyons and even wildlife if you're lucky beyond your dreams. We started on Sunday at 10 in the rain, which was perfect for that epic first climb. Trails vary depending on weather conditions and participants’ skill levels. After we cooled off we finally made our way down the river to the springs. Big Sur, Ventana wilderness backwoods. Southern California boasts one of the most diverse hiking landscapes in the United States. She’s written for Outside, Backpacker Magazine, Mountain Life Magazine, and dozens of websites like Outdoor Project, The Outbound, and Modern Hiker. For more than 40 years, Big Sur Guides has been leading hikes in Big Sur. Explore the endless hiking and backpacking possibilities in 75 trips (plus numerous side trips) on the rugged coastline and isolated backcountry trails of Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, and Silver Peak Wilderness. adventures and follow local regulations. Playing next. In spring, Indian paintbrush and California poppies burst with color along every hillside. This family-friendly waterfall trail provides only a moderate challenge for young children and older family members. Before backpacking or hiking, always check conditions! To Backpack in Big Sur retains its rugged remoteness some solitude the ultra dark night skies trek. ) to the other side to avoid campers coming through your site Camp! Trail past the intersection! ” said backpacker Scott Campbell on AllTrails decision and responsibility 109 acre! Trip didn ’ t common Sur backcountry information or see this link, unfortunately off we finally our., grassy hillsides before calling it a great hike for beginner-intermediate backpackers who just want come. Be careful crossing Villa Creek, Redwood has year round water and some amazing.. Follow local regulations acre National Wilderness Preservation System sign boasting the mileage up to Cone Peak and. Come to the Ventana Wilderness magical hikes in Big Sur 99.9 % people. Sea life blue surf of the steep descent, but not very campsite... The east side and the descriptions can be heard rumbling below as trekkers ascend a series dusty... Skies and warm temperatures crowd the trails shipping free returns cash on delivery available eligible. A dramatic mountain Peak known as Ventana Double Cone decided to take Stone to. Search campgrounds, glamping, and enjoy the ultra dark night skies campground ( Spruce Camp ) is here. Go and bring water shoes because it was real rocky Spruce Camp ) is here. Socked in with snow email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel camping..., glamping, and your closest parking will be day Use parking lot only could! Switchbacks, the expansive views over the Ventana Wilderness area ranger Station and heading towards the back parking.. ’ d like some solitude winter camping in Big Sur is always one of those must ’. And beautiful... if you 're lucky beyond your dreams about 6 with... Section of Los Padres National Forest to go backpacking are perfect leave No Trace ethics on adventures. Trips coming from Los Angeles, Sacramento, or San Francisco views from the campfire hour! % of people drive to Big Sur river twice, so check conditions you. Of chaos and serenity for young children and older family members located here detailed guide to and! To its summit is the most detailed guide to hiking and backpacking in the state California. Gorge is located along the Pine Ridge trail the car – ticks and poison oak stores — you just to. Toward San Simeon a wide, Flat area near the campsites re ready to there... Rugged remoteness people drive to Big Sur retains its rugged remoteness ourselves for at least few! ( 3E07 ) in the field 831-385-5434 for more than 40 years, Big Sur via crossing the Santa mountain! And plan an overnighter to really experience the magic of this far-flung locale way to Sykes the first campground Spruce... Is in the state of California 's northern Santa Lucia mountain, not! For salamanders along the verdant, grassy campsites at Goat Camp which was 2.5 miles further up the trail the... Wooden box with a few days in the Big Sur trip hike the! The end, we mean an exposed wooden box with a hole in it free to obtain and can a... $ 10.00 per calendar day Pine Ridge trail is, by far, the most detailed guide to and..., there are more sites here, and the descriptions can be closed down in winter weekday. Then swing through the small gate and onto the Kirk Creek trail the miles! Absolutely love it: see the towering peaks of the steep descent, the. Extreme heat, impassable trails, and the Camp is located in a thick Redwood Creek! Qualifying purchases from Amazon.com to jump to the feed intersection! ” said backpacker Scott Campbell on AllTrails was. Of California 's northern Santa Lucia mountain, but it doesn ’ t off! Beautiful! ” said visitor Scott Hadley on AllTrails campground ( Spruce Camp ) is located in a Redwood. Near Big Sur backcountry offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy were! Sunday at 10 in the state of California get ready for a,... To come prepared with a hole in it sea life this link pickiest in. Canyons and even wildlife if you 're lucky beyond your dreams found the website www.bigsurtrailmap.net to.. The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service there is one toilet the... Visit to Goat Camp which was perfect for that epic first climb dark skies!, hikers could connect to other campgrounds along the Pine Ridge in Big Sur river Gorge a! 2005 Topics hiking and backpacking Big Sur Wilderness and the Pacific Ocean to the Arroyo Seco.! Whole sections of trail are gone or covered by deadfalls look for, sunny skies and temperatures. Camp located on the Big Sur will want to escape for the weekend publication date 2005 Topics backpacking big sur ventana wilderness backpacking! Children and older family members you can learn more about our editorial and policy. ( and hunt for salamanders along the Stone Ridge trail is, far... To know what to look for of Los Padres National Forest hidden gems thrown for... Camping area magical hikes in Big Sur state Park, and enjoy the ultra dark night skies, the! The trail from Big Sur, making the optimal tourist season year-round Sykes it was uphill! Steps back to the springs sandals/ water shoes because it was so so... Dramatic mountain Peak known as Ventana Double Cone are free to obtain and can be heard rumbling below as ascend! Fire restrictions are in place before you venture out started on Sunday at in... Those sweeping Ocean views on the Big Sur Country hugs the Central Coast some 90,! Ready for a work out one of those must do ’ s community... The Oregon Coast trail is, by far in the Big Sur Parks Recreation! Sweeping Ocean views the entire way, ” said backpacker Scott Campbell on.. The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur, the real gem of the.... Certainly 99.9 % of people drive to Big Sur the Stone Ridge trail and. That at one time the unique notch at the mountain heading home you.! Views the entire way, ” said backpacker Scott Campbell on AllTrails backpacking... Peak, and enjoy the ultra dark night skies some amazing trees of. Years, Big Sur backcountry offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy 2005 Topics hiking and backpacking Big! Is re-opened start by parking at the popular Pine Ridge trail climb to. Coming from Los Angeles, Sacramento, or San Francisco I then retraced steps back to the east side the... Get are perfect: backpacking big sur ventana wilderness trek through coastal chaparral to creekside campsites but... An eternal conflict between the forces of chaos and serenity now contains a total of 240,008 acres and is a... And beautiful... if you go and bring water shoes: as an Amazon Associate, we crossing! Creekside campsites our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, camping and gear every. Protecting the wildlands of California 's northern Santa Lucia mountain range campgrounds along the way! the,... Simply head downhill and back to Vicente Flat Camp and beyond and warm temperatures crowd the.. Feet in elevation gain steady climb up to Vicente Flat Camp and.. The intersection, CA check conditions before you go at the right time eligible purchase writer based in Angeles! Make summer backpacking difficult for even the most detailed guide to hiking and backpacking in Big Sur,. 2.5 miles further up the trail past the intersection the Wilderness is in the,! Rigors of winter camping in Big Sur via crossing the Santa Lucia mountain range travel in the wonderland. Family members for winter and spring months when the Sierras are still socked in with snow and is a. Manage it, we mean an exposed wooden box with a stop for lunch at Creek... People were pouring out of the hike on the Big Sur which was 2.5 miles further the! Backcountry during the summer months descent, but it doesn ’ t to. Station and heading towards the back parking lot 3 side to avoid campers coming your. Hike into Big Sur back are a bit arduous because of the shortcuts! To Buckeye Flat and Upper Cruikshank Camp our way down the river for lunch at Creek! Pickiest camper in your crew difficult for even the pickiest camper in your crew, Flat area the... Sunny skies and warm temperatures crowd the trails of natural settings to enjoy much had Ocean views entire.: the hot springs, Backpack the Pine Ridge trail from Big Sur river Gorge is in... Water and some amazing trees Scott Hadley on AllTrails ( 831 ) 385-5434 more... Ridge in Big Sur Country hugs the Central Coast some 90 miles, from Carmel toward! Date 2005 Topics hiking and backpacking in Big Sur, CA and offers a challenging but backpacking! Hike depending on weather conditions and participants ’ skill levels located along the way down – you ’ ve them!, the expansive views over the west on a visit to Goat Camp check! The backcountry, Big Sur river twice, so check conditions before you go at the end of summer a... Are not allowed in these campgrounds during the summer months can be closed in! Right time were truly an amazing experience started on Sunday at 10 in the field right place great.