Summary

Few places in the world match Big Sur for scenic grandeur. Visitors flock here to relax under its redwoods, gaze at its spectacular coastline, or seek out the spiritual aura that has long lured writers and artists. 

On this 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip, we’ll traverse some of Big Sur’s secretive redwood canyons and high ridges, enjoying wildflowers, waterfalls, shady riverside camps and awesome coast views all along the way.

This will be a strenuous backpack, covering about 25 miles at a purposeful pace over very rugged terrain, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in very good condition. We’ll cheerfully face the possibility of bushwhacking, ticks, rattlesnakes fresh from hibernation, and occasional poison oak. Because of the strenuous nature of this trip, the leader reserves the right to qualify participants. Please only sign up if you are serious about attending.

This trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast. A National Weather Service forecast of rain within 72 hours of our start will cancel or re-route this trip at the discretion of the leader, as will fewer than three confirmed signups as of 8:00pm, Monday, April 13. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any shared meals, so please plan to provide your own supply of food.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

We’ll meet up at 7:00am (SHARP!) on Friday, April 17 at the Encino Park-and-Ride at 5174 Hayvenhurst Avenue to consolidate our carpool to the closed Salmon Creek Ranger Station trailhead on California State Route 1, which is about a four hour drive from Los Angeles. Backpackers coming from points north should plan on to meet up at 11:30am at the trailhead.