Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the divide, the Carmel River Trail turns right and leads 1.7 miles to the
wildflower-strewn meadows and tall pines of Pine Valley. Over the first 0.3 mile
you'll cross the typically dry headwaters of the Carmel River. As the grade levels off
(4.5 miles, 3160'), you'll notice sandstone cliffs to your right and hear trickling water
off to your left. The scene is reminiscent of the Sierras, with ponderosa pines rising
from an open meadow beside steep sandstone cliffs.
You'll continue through mixed evergreen and riparian forests, highlighted by rare
endemic Santa Lucia firs at the valley's east end. A large gate marks the official
Pine
Valley entrance
(5.3 miles, 3140'), at a junction with the Pine Valley-Pine Ridge
Trail and the cross-country trail to Pine Falls. The main trail leads to a year-round
stretch of the Carmel River. If you have time, don't miss the side trip to the falls.
SIDE TRIP
The 0.7-mile trail to
Pine Falls
is narrow, overgrown, and washed out in a few pre-
carious places. Your payoff is a scenic waterfall oasis and swimming hole, among
Ventana's most spectacular sights.
From the Pine Valley-Pine Ridge Trail junction (5.3 miles, 3140'), turn left and
cross the river, heading downstream a few yards before recrossing past the first of
three small unofficial campsites. The trail closely follows the river, crisscrossing it
multiple times on the way downstream past riparian forests and endemic Santa Lucia
firs.
You'll emerge at an overlook directly above 50-foot Pine Falls (6 miles, 2700').
The descent to its base is hazardous, as you must clamber across slick boulders. Use
the conveniently placed rope to negotiate the final 20 feet through a minor gully. The
crystal clear pool is wide and deep enough for swimming, but as temperatures only
reach the high 50s Fahrenheit at best, your swim will be a quick one. Enjoy the brisk
plunge and return the way you came.
If you're bound for the more spacious upper meadow, turn right at this junction
onto the Carmel River Trail, following a decrepit sign marked
BEAR BASIN
. You'll
pass through a gate toward a small cabin on private land. A longtime Pine Valley res-
ident lives and gardens on the small plot to your right.
A hundred feet past the cabin you'll ascend a minor knoll, then descend into up-
per Pine Valley and the official
Pine Valley Camp
(5.4 miles, 3200'), equipped with
a fire ring and room for up to three tents. Six or seven unofficial campsites also lie
nestled amid the pine-studded meadow, each equipped with a fire ring and room for
up to three tents. These fill up quickly on holiday weekends.
Scamper up the valley walls at dawn or dusk for spectacular pine-filtered views,
highlighted by grazing deer and active woodpeckers. If the valley is deserted, you
