Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 43
DANISH CREEK CAMP
LENGTH AND TYPE: 7.6-mile out-and-back
RATING: Moderate
TRAIL CONDITION: Passable, with narrow tread, poison oak, brush, and deadfalls
HIGHLIGHTS: Outstanding views of the Carmel River and Danish Creek watershed
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
This hike begins at the Los Padres Dam Trailhead.
TRIP SUMMARY:
The Big Pines Trail ascends the ridge crest above Danish Creek, offer-
ing views deep into the Carmel River watershed. Beware of profuse low-lying poison
oak along this stretch. From this ridge, the Danish Creek Camp Trail descends densely
forested northern slopes to the canyon floor. Sites are nestled alongside the year-round
creek. This spacious plot is the most easily reached camp from Los Padres Dam.
Trip Description
Pass through the gate at the end of the parking lot (1050'), where a trail sign points the
way southwest toward
Los Padres Dam.
You'll hike a half mile along the one-lane
dirt road, passing through an open grove of impressive lichen-draped valley and live
oaks.
On a gentle ascent southeast, the trail reaches open ground with views west toward
prominent
Blue Rock Ridge,
which parallels the
Big Pines Trail
above the reservoir.
As the spillway and dam come into view (0.4 mile, 1180'), the trail branches left across
the spillway, then leads toward the dam along the main road.
Pause atop
Los Padres Dam
(0.5 mile, 1120') to gaze south across the reservoir
toward the
Carmel River
watershed. Skirting the lake, the road heads south, crossing
a steep-walled gully lined with sycamore trees, easily identified by mottled cream-and-
white bark that resembles a jigsaw puzzle. For 0.3 mile you'll climb steadily above the
reservoir.
Equestrians should note the steep, narrow
spur road
(1.3 miles, 1090') that
branches right from the main road and rejoins the Big Pines Trail. Used primarily as a
horse trail, this 1.2-mile road does lead toward
Big Pines Camp
and cuts 0.7 mile off
your route, but it presents a much steeper and more strenuous gradient.
A quarter mile farther you'll pass a road that branches left toward the reservoir
and loops back to the main road. Continue straight ahead to a fork and veer right. The
road soon narrows, becoming the
Carmel River Trail.
Keep watch for abundant pois-
