Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 7
SOBERANES CANYON TRAIL
LENGTH AND TYPE: 2.2-mile out-and-back or 4.6-mile loop
RATING: Easy to strenuous
TRAIL CONDITION: Well maintained, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: A canyon that shelters primeval groves of the world's tallest living organism, Sequoia
sempervirens
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
Both the Soberanes Canyon and Rocky Ridge Trails start
from turnout 8, on the east side of Highway 1, 7.1 miles south of Carmel Valley Road
(County Road G16) and 14 miles north of Andrew Molera State Park. The trailhead
lies beyond the numbered gate adjacent to a dilapidated barn. There are no facilities or
water at the trailhead.
TRIP SUMMARY:
Depending on your time and fitness level, you can approach this as
either an easy 2.2-mile out-and-back hike or a strenuous 4.6-mile loop. In this direction
the 4.6-mile loop features a particularly grueling climb—instead, consider beginning
with the Rocky Ridge Trail and returning along the Soberanes Creek Trail (see
TRIP 6
Rocky Ridge Trail
,
for details).
The trail meanders upstream along Soberanes Creek. Where the canyon narrows,
a dense redwood canopy shelters a myriad of shade- and moisture-loving plants.
