Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Onward, the route begins its first major ascent, climbing from the cool redwood
canopy into fragrant coastal scrub. Trail conditions deteriorate from this point, largely
due to aggressive brush. A crew from the Ventana Wilderness Alliance restored some
of the trail but reported many sections still in need of work.
You'll continue climbing east amid dense northern and southern coastal scrub
and chaparral species. South-facing slopes allow the southern species to tolerate hot,
dry summers, while ocean fog creeps up the canyon, providing moisture to the north-
ern scrub. The trail leads through a fragrant tapestry of black sage, bush lupine, coyote
brush, sagebrush, and poison oak to a seeping spring that supports a small grove of
redwoods. From here the trail meanders 150 feet to a switchback across the private
dirt
Granite Rock Road
(2.2 miles, 760').
Continue east, ducking through two minor gullies that host seasonal creeks.
Though passable, the trail is narrow and slippery with several brush-covered
washouts. Past the second gully, the trail parallels Granite Rock Road for 0.6 mile to
another
switchback
(2.8 miles, 840'). This marks the start of a steep climb of more
than 1000 feet in 2 miles.
The trail first climbs north, then switchbacks, reentering the US Forest Service
land along the south flanks of
Pico Blanco.
Hardwoods and redwoods are limited to
the ravines, while the scrub-clad slopes and grassy ridgelines are studded with such
drought-tolerant species as Our Lord's candle, a yucca that shoots forth a large stalk
of cream-colored blossoms.
Among the oldest known rocks along the Coast Ranges, Pico Blanco's limestone
and marble outcrops create dramatic vegetation zones. Though the area often receives
more than 60 inches of rainfall per year, the runoff drains into the marble and lime-
stone rather than remaining in the overlying soil. Thus the slopes are dominated by
drought-tolerant species.
Past these blinding outcrops, the trail meanders through hardwood-lined ravines,
crosses a broad meadow, and climbs to an oak-clad
ridge
(4.8 miles, 1840') with
views up and down the South Fork drainage. Beyond the ridge, you'll begin the des-
cent into camp.
The trail crosses open slopes and a series of shallow gullies. Past the third gully,
home to a small seasonal tributary, you'll reach the
Pico Blanco Camp Trail junc-
tion
(5.9 miles, 1385'). Descend this 0.1-mile trail past sprawling oaks and a grassy
slope into
Pico Blanco Camp
(6 miles, 1300'). The camp offers four sites with fire
rings. Three lie on the perimeter of a sun-drenched grassy slope, while the fourth lies
20 yards south of the first site you reach along the trail. Be on your guard for poison
oak.
