Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Poison oak is common on the narrow spurs off the Carmel River Trail.
Trip Description
See
TRIP 43 Danish Creek Camp
for the first 1.8 miles of this route to the signed
Big
Pines Trail junction
(1170'). Those bound for
Danish Creek Camp, Rattlesnake
Creek,
or
Big Pines/Bottchers Gap/Ventana Double Cone
will branch right here
Trail
).
Instead, continue on the
Carmel River Trail,
which climbs high above the south
end of the reservoir, emerging from dense forest dominated by live oak into drier
brushy cover. A short descent on switchbacks leads down to
Danish Creek
(2.8 miles,
1050'), which flows east into the reservoir. In wet season you'll face a risky ford
through high water. Although California American Water prohibits camping along the
creek, there is an unofficial site along the south bank.
Crossing the creek, you'll soon reach a smaller perennial creek that cascades
over a small granite-faced waterfall. One hundred yards past this creek a trail sign
points south, 1 mile to
Bluff Camp
and 2 miles to
Miller Canyon
and
Carmel River
Camp
. You'll climb above the river to a sharp turn cleared of vegetation, offering
impressive views up the canyon to
Miller Mountain,
origin of the Carmel River's
Bruce Fork.
The final 0.1 mile to Bluff Camp is entirely downhill. Less than 100 feet from
camp you'll reach a junction. Though both paths descend into camp, the one that
plunges straight ahead is steeper and only saves a few extra steps. The path on your
left is a better choice, especially in late summer and fall when slippery dry leaves
blanket the ground.
Bluff Camp (4.1 miles, 1150') is the only legal option on California American
Water's private land. This delightful camp on the Carmel River offers three sites and
a convenient swimming hole for a refreshing dunk. The first site lies along the west
bank, adjacent to large granite boulders that border the swimming hole (3 to 4 feet
deep in late spring and summer). Across the river lie the other two sites, which share
a spacious bench on the east bank, large enough to accommodate a half dozen tents.
An open canopy of alders and sycamores filters the sun.
Crossing the river can be a challenge. In summer and fall you can simply boulder-
hop a small rock dam upstream. But in wetter months a wade is inevitable. During
or after a rainstorm, crossing could involve a risky 2- to 5-foot ford across a swiftly
rising river. Don't attempt to cross in such conditions.
Across the river, the trail climbs the narrow canyon to a minor ridge, leaving
private land for the
Ventana Wilderness
(4.4 miles, 1430'). As you traverse the
