Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 70
CRUIKSHANK & SILVER CAMPS
LENGTH AND TYPE: 6.2-mile out-and-back
RATING: Moderate to challenging
TRAIL CONDITION: Clear to difficult, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: This scenic trail climbs past fragrant coastal scrub and vibrant spring wildflowers to lush
redwood forests.
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
The Cruikshank Trailhead is on the east side of Highway
1, 0.6 mile south of the Villa Creek bridge, 66 miles south of Carmel, and 4.5 miles
north of the abandoned Salmon Creek Station. Park at the small turnout on Highway 1
adjacent to the trailhead. There are no facilities or water at the trailhead.
TRIP SUMMARY:
The Cruikshank Trail climbs the Villa Creek drainage 6.5 miles to its
headwaters below Coast Ridge Road. Due to poor trail conditions, including encroach-
ing poison oak and fallen trees, it's best to avoid the trail beyond Silver Camp.
Depending on your stamina and susceptibility to poison oak, this route offers sev-
eral day-hike or overnight options, including: (1) 4.4 miles round-trip to Cruikshank
Camp (trails are clear and well maintained); (2) 6.2 miles round-trip to Silver Camp
(trails passable with some poison oak); and (3) 9 miles round-trip to Buckeye Camp via
the Cruikshank and Buckeye Trails (see
TRIP 71 Highway 1 to Buckeye Camp
). If you
can arrange a shuttle vehicle, consider a point-to-point trip from the lower Cruikshank
Trailhead to the abandoned Salmon Creek Station (refer to
TRIP 72 Salmon Creek Sta-
tion to Buckeye Camp
), although sections of the lower Buckeye Trail may be over-
grown.
Trip Description
From the signed
Cruikshank Trailhead
on
Highway 1,
you'll quickly climb steep
switchbacks through dense coastal scrub. Pause often to catch your breath and appre-
ciate the stunning coastal views. After a strenuous 600-foot ascent in less than a mile,
the grade eases.
Continue along the south wall of deep, V-shaped
Villa Creek
canyon through
shallow redwood-lined gullies. You'll cross a small creek fringed with redwood sorrel,
starflowers, and ferns, then a minute later pass a few eucalyptus trees, likely planted
here by early homesteaders. Two miles from the trailhead, you'll cross logs over a
small creek and enter
Lower Cruikshank Camp
(1300').
