Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
on oak along this narrow path. You'll climb 100 yards to the signed
Big Pines Trail
junction
(1.8 miles, 1170').
Those bound for
Danish Creek, Rattlesnake Creek,
or
Big Pines/Bottchers
Gap/Ventana Double Cone
will branch right (see
TRIP 47 Ventana Double Cone
via Big Pines Trail
). While the tread is clear, the trail is severely overgrown with
poison oak as it climbs switchbacks high above the western half of the reservoir to a
chaparral-cloaked
ridge
(2.8 miles, 1920').
The Los Padres Dam prevents steelhead from migrating farther upstream.
Atop the open ridge, you'll arrive at a marked junction with the
Danish Creek
Trail
(3 miles, 2050'). Here the trail branches left and descends toward
Danish
Creek.
Though it's been a dry hike to this point, take heart, as the creek flows year-
round.
Your descent begins on a gentle grade west through scrubby thickets, then turns
south down a steep gully. In winter and early spring, a seasonal stream tumbles along-
side the trail toward Danish Creek. After a 0.8-mile descent you'll reach
Danish
Creek Camp
(3.8 miles, 1430'), set in a broad meadow amid creekside granite
boulders.
