Tips on Hiking the Ventana Wilderness
- 1). Check with the Ventana Wilderness Alliance which provides updates on trail conditions. Their website lists weather conditions and informs hikers about recent landslides, snow coverage and river conditions.
- 2). Stop at the Nature Station Store at Big Sur Station. They can provide maps of the many trails in the Ventana Wilderness. Keep in mind that many of the trail signs may be covered with dense vegetation and are easy to miss. Using a map may prevent you from getting lost. The area is large and it can be easy to get lost if you leave marked trails. Wandering off designated trails can lead to crossing steep terrain and very dense areas and can be dangerous.
- 3). Consider hiking the Pine Ridge Trail. The trail is one of the most popular trails in the Ventana Wilderness. It runs from China Camp to Big Sur Station. Starting the hike at China Station which has the higher elevation is recommended. This allows hikers to travel downhill. Be aware the hike is 23 miles one way.
- 4). Visit a hot spring. Hike the trail from Big Sur Station to Styes Hot Springs. The hike is about 10 miles one way. There are campsites along the way for hikers who want to spend the night.
- 5). Climb the highest peak. Start at Memorial Park and hike to Junipero Serra Peak. The elevation is 5750 feet and it is the highest peak in the Ventana Wilderness. Keep in mind with the elevation change there is often changes in weather conditions including temperature.
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