Big Sur backpacking – preffered route?

[Joshua Stillwell]

Hey folks,

I’ve never done any backpacking in Big Sur, and I was wondering if anyone here has a preferred route trip that they like in Big Sur?   I have some flexibility in the number of days I go, just wondering what the routes people have taken that they liked?  I want to do a solo trip, then get the family going as well if I can.  Thanks!

[Amy Lauterbach]

Joshua,

 

Much of the Big Sur Ventana Wilderness remains closed due to the Soberanes Fire.  Check http://www.ventanawild.org/plan-a-trip/weather-road-trail-conditions

for the latest information. The Silver Creek Wilderness south of the Naciamento Fergusson Road has some nice areas and is currently open.  Again check the VWA site for opportunities.

 

James (and Amy)

[AG]

I did a north-south Ventana traverse in Jan 2016 (with inspiration/help via Amy and James’s excellent trip reports — thanks!). But that was before the recent fires and mudslide. Feel free to message me if you want to chat about specific details. But gist is: they do very little trail maintenance in Ventana so trails can range from wilderness freeway to nearly unpassable. So definitely research your trails before you go. Very little blazing either.

If I could return to a single spot it would be Pine Valley — which you can access from the east via China Camp. So that might be an option. It’s a large valley with open grassy fields flanked by huge evergreens and prominent rock outcroppings on all sides. Really a special place. There were half a dozen different places to camp scattered around the south-eastern side of the valley. Also note: i encountered *tons* of ticks (not fun) and ladybug hatches (fascinating) — again that was in wintertime.

[Author]

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