Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You'll pass through a wooden gate on your right and cross private property in
sight of the owner's small cabin. The trail ascends a minor knoll and enters a large
open meadow. In a scene reminiscent of the Sierras, deer graze beside towering pines
amid grasslands blanketed in spring wildflowers.
The Carmel River Trail leads past Jack English's cabin in the heart of Pine Valley.
Offering pine-filtered views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs, the trail ascends
northwest 200 feet in half a mile to a saddle (6.2 miles, 3414') that divides the
Carmel
River and Hiding Canyon Creek drainages.
From this saddle, the route drops
past four shallow gullies, then switchbacks across the seasonal headwaters of
Hid-
ing Canyon Creek
(6.7 miles, 2950'). Continue downslope, following the path of the
Church Creek Fault.
Crossing the headwaters eight more times, the route passes from exposed south-
facing slopes to a shady creekside route past sycamores, bays, alders, and oaks. Ex-
pect to find year-round water by the eighth crossing (8.1 miles, 2140').
Past this crossing you'll leave the creek and ascend through dense overgrowth.
During the wet season (November through April), ticks lie in wait amid the chamise-
and broom-clad slopes. Wear light-colored pants to protect your legs and easily spot
