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Post by vanderloo on Mar 18, 2016 14:43:32 GMT -8
I did a weekend trip to Point Reyes in early February and it was great but I'm wondering where I might go this time of year where the weather is decent and there are fewer restrictions.
I've heard that further up towards Mendocino offers a little more seclusion and less rules, (i.e., no dogs, no fires, campgrounds with others camping too close, etc.).
But, on the other hand, I don't want to wander into someone's pot plantation either. Near the coast would be preferred.
Anyone have any suggestions?
And while I'm here. I would also like to do a trip later on to Oregon, which I heard has some fantastic options. Coastal would be nice but I'm flexible on that. Wanting to get in some cool photography sessions.
Thanks in advance All!
I hope we are all able to enjoy a great year of the great outdoors.
Phil
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Mar 18, 2016 15:19:07 GMT -8
South towards the Ventana?
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Post by vanderloo on Mar 18, 2016 16:41:14 GMT -8
Just looked into the area and it looks nice. Probably a good time of year to go there. Anyone have suggestions on which trails/camps?
Seems like there are plenty. Are fires allowed?
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toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
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Post by toejam on Mar 19, 2016 6:46:28 GMT -8
Cone Peak Loop - Vicente Flat Trail out of Kirk Creek Campground is the next Ventana spot on my list. I can vouch for Pine Valley, and avoiding Sykes Hot Springs. I posted a report from the Silver Peak Wilderness recently. Fires are allowed until they are not - restrictions will probably come early June. Ventana forum: www.ventanawild.org/forums/and map: www.bigsurtrailmap.net |
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Post by vanderloo on Mar 19, 2016 11:52:49 GMT -8
Thank You Toejam. Can you drive to Kirk Creek Campground?
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almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
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Post by almostthere on Mar 19, 2016 18:00:39 GMT -8
Thank You Toejam. Can you drive to Kirk Creek Campground? People park RVs in Kirk Creek Campground, so yes. It's across the road from the trailhead. Winter is the best time to go to the Ventana -- after it's rained some, so they lift the complete fire ban that prevents you from using stoves. There's water in the creek at Vicente Flat right now, too. |
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toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
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Post by toejam on Mar 19, 2016 18:40:51 GMT -8
You can also access the Cone Peak Loop from Limekiln State Park a little north. This loop faces the ocean so it never heats up like the interior. Cone Peak is 5100' and just 3 direct miles from the ocean. I haven't done this hike, but it's probably next on my list for that area, unless the VWA people suck me into a trail work trip.
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almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
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Post by almostthere on Mar 20, 2016 15:20:23 GMT -8
You can also access the Cone Peak Loop from Limekiln State Park a little north. This loop faces the ocean so it never heats up like the interior. Cone Peak is 5100' and just 3 direct miles from the ocean. I haven't done this hike, but it's probably next on my list for that area, unless the VWA people suck me into a trail work trip. This is known as the Sea to Sky route - I sure won't be doing it with a backpack any time soon. It's a lot of marching off trail in weeds -- in a few weeks, it'll be the Sea to Stickers to Sky route. And no, pretty sure it will be too darn hot for my liking, ocean or no ocean -- the exposure is something else. The Garrapata trail to the peak and the other trails that march straight up hills facing the Pacific are all darn hot in summer. |
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toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
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Post by toejam on Mar 21, 2016 6:07:25 GMT -8
O.k. But I'm recommending the Vicente Flat/Stone Ridge/Gamboa/Cone Peak loop of maintained trails - not the bushwhack route directly up the ridge.
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almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
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Post by almostthere on Mar 21, 2016 20:45:58 GMT -8
There's a trail from Limekiln? I didn't think the trail systems connected. Most people going from Limekiln go straight up the ridge.
The most up to date map since the fire is at bigsurtrailmap.net and I don't see any connectors with the Vicente Flat/Cone Peak trails.
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Post by vanderloo on Mar 23, 2016 10:15:06 GMT -8
Been told by the staff to stay away this weekend. Spring Break brings out mobs of crazies they say. Gonna try to sneak out next week. Getting all kinds of great recommendations for trails there. Might opt for the more secluded, non coastal side.
(Anything I say is subject to change without notice or any reasonable cause).
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