Arroyo Seco - Hiking and Backpacking Big Sur - page 303

PROTECTING THE STEELHEAD
Steelhead trout have thrived in coastal waters and freshwater rivers for millions of
years. Now these fish are endangered. The Arroyo Seco is one of the few tributaries
of the Salinas River that supports a small population of the threatened trout. Unfortu-
nately, loss and damage of their freshwater habitat is a leading reason for their popu-
lation decline.
Fortunately, wilderness advocates have launched a campaign to permanently
preserve the wild and free Arroyo Seco from dams, diversions, and new development
by adding it to the National Wild & Scenic River System. This designation is part of
the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. As of 2010, a bill was introduced to protect
about 19 miles of the Arroyo Seco.
Wilderness advocates urge the public to voice support for permanent protection
of the Arroyo Seco. For more information contact the Ventana Wilderness Alliance:
[phone] or ventanawild.org .
Trip Description
Arroyo Seco Road continues from a locked gate directly above the parking lot
(1540'). The road beyond winds high above the Arroyo Seco. Listen for the swift
river below as it cascades past smooth outcrops and plunges into deep pools. You'll
be tempted to take one of the many short spurs to the banks of these refreshing pools
to escape the heat and sun along the exposed road.
After 2.4 exposed miles, the road widens at a turnout where cars once parked for
the Marble Peak Trailhead (1340'). Set out from the signed junction on your right,
descending narrow, steep Marble Peak Trail. You'll brush past manzanita brush and
poison oak in the shade of sprawling coast live and black oaks. The steep trail drops
to a sturdy bridge (2.7 miles, 960') across a narrow stretch of the Arroyo Seco, 150
yards above the river's confluence with Willow Creek, fed by Tassajara and Church
Creeks. You'll find a refreshing swimming hole just below the bridge.
Beyond the bridge, you'll follow an old roadbed, then veer west on a broad path
to a steep bluff. This bluff overlooks the Arroyo Seco, Willow Creek, and the Horse
Pasture Trail, which slices through dry chaparral along Tassajara Creek canyon. On-
ward, the trail parallels Willow Creek Fault and ducks through two gullies to the
Horse Pasture Trail junction (3.6 miles, 1070').
To reach Tassajara Creek canyon, you'll either take the Horse Pasture Trail 2.1
miles to the Tassajara Cutoff Trail, which leads a mile to the monastery, or continue
on the Marble Peak Trail to the Tony Trail, which climbs 3.1 miles of steep switch-
backs to the monastery. Both routes are laborious and suffer from encroaching brush.
Though it offers an easier grade through the canyon, the Horse Pasture Trail is over-