Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
these hitchhikers. The trail switchbacks high above Hiding Canyon Creek for far-
reaching vistas of the Carmel River drainage.
Leaving the canyon behind, you'll cross a minor ridge, switchback, and descend
0.1 mile southwest to the
Round Rock Camp Trail junction
(9.2 miles, 2030'). This
easily missed unmarked junction leads to a spectacular overhanging gorge.
SIDE TRIP
From the
Round Rock Camp Trail junction,
hike 0.2 mile downslope to the head-
waters of the
Carmel River,
then meander downstream 50 feet cross-country. The
swift river plunges from pool to pool, carving a deep path through smooth massive
granite walls. Be mindful of slick boulders and poison oak that shelters in the
crevices. Pause for a refreshing dip in the brisk water.
Cross the river on the main trail past an unofficial campsite atop a small
grassy terrace. The trail gradually ascends the canyon for 0.2 mile, then descends
south along the riverbanks amid thickets of blackberry and poison oak. Make your
way through this tangle and cross the river just downstream from an enormous
boulder—perhaps Round Rock—which overlooks a shallow swimming hole.
Follow the trail 200 feet farther to
Round Rock Camp
(10.2 miles, 1920'), set
atop a small grassy terrace. Marked by a table and a sign, the camp is roomy enough
for up to a dozen small tents.
From the Round Rock Camp Trail junction, the Carmel River Trail steeply des-
cends the east-facing canyon wall. Pause to enjoy views on the way down. In a few
minutes you'll reach the Carmel River's east bank. Expect to get your feet wet in all
but the driest months—during heavy rainfall the river actually floods the trail.
Just across the river lies
Hiding Canyon Camp
(9.2 miles, 1740') and the nearby
Puerto Suelo Trail junction.
True to its name, the camp is easy to miss. The turnoff
lies just downstream from the first crossing. You'll find two large sites, each with a
table and cooking grate. The first site sits atop a narrow terrace along the west bank,
while the larger, preferred site lies a few feet upstream near an enormous ponderosa
pine with a 6-foot-plus diameter. You'll recognize ponderosas by their golden puzzle-
piece bark and pine needles bunched in threes.
SIDE TRIP
If you're willing to hike upriver off trail for 0.4 mile, you'll pass through a narrow
sandstone gorge and arrive at
Ventana Mesa Creek Falls,
which tumbles into a
swimming hole. Farther upriver, the canyon widens and turns south, entering a
second gorge at the confluence with
Ventana Mesa Creek.
A few feet farther up-
stream the creek cascades into a deep granite-lined pool. If the water level is low
enough in late summer and fall, you can press on for 200 feet to a larger swimming
