Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 37
DEVILS PEAK & MT. CARMEL
LENGTH AND TYPE: 9.4-mile out-and-back
RATING: Strenuous
TRAIL CONDITION: Passable, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: Spectacular vistas atop Devils Peak and Mt. Carmel stretch from Monterey Bay to Big
Sur.
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD: The Skinner Ridge Trail begins at the trailhead sign on
the northeast corner of the parking lot.
TRIP SUMMARY: You can approach this as either moderate to strenuous day hikes or an
overnight trip to Apple Tree or Turner Creek Camps.
Day hikes to Devils Peak and Mt. Carmel are rewarding ascents that overlook the
entire rim of the Little Sur watershed. To the north, peaks of the Santa Lucia Range
fold in on themselves as they meet the Carmel and Salinas Valleys. Clear days promise
views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, more than 40 miles away. The
best times to hike are clear days in spring, fall, or between winter storms. Fog often
shrouds the coast in summer, obscuring most views.
If you're willing to haul gear, you'll find two camps just off Skinner Ridge Trail.
The closest is Apple Tree Camp (3.2 miles from Bottchers Gap), a pleasant spot in
all but the driest months (July-October) and perfect for novice backpackers seeking
solitude but not a strenuous hike. Just 1.5 miles farther, Turner Creek Camp lies along-
side the wildflower-strewn banks of Turner Creek, a gorgeous spot in spring.
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