Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A healthy and stable population of native mule deer can now be seen along Creamery
Meadow, once grazed by cattle that supported the Monterey Jack cheese creameries.
Once across the river, head left on Creamery Meadow Trail about 100 yards
southwest to a junction. The right fork follows the Beach Trail. Instead, veer left
along the Creamery Meadow Trail, passing both the meadow and a junction with a
dirt road (the continuation of the Creamery Meadow Trail).
Continue southeast on the River Trail along the south bank of the Big Sur. For its
first 0.1 mile the trail follows a level dirt road south to the broad meadow at Coyote
Flat. At dawn and dusk, coyotes stalk the shoulder-high bush lupine in search of scur-
rying rabbits, voles, and mice, while black-tailed deer (also known as mule deer for
their large ears, which twitch and turn at any sound) feed on herbs and grasses. Past
the meadow, the vegetation quickly changes to sprawling live oaks amid thickets of
coyote brush. Pause to gaze across the river toward 3709-foot marble-topped Pico
Blanco.
After 0.8 mile you'll reach the Hidden Trail junction. This 0.7-mile trail is steep
and strenuous, with an average 15% grade. The first 0.1 mile is a moderate ascent
beneath live oaks, followed by a steep stretch that climbs beyond the oaks to slopes
Search WWH ::




Custom Search