Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dry by summer. Onward, the trail leads north from the pleasant shade of maples and
oaks to a large rocky outcrop, then southeast to the edge of
Buckeye Meadow.
Entering the oak-rimmed meadow, you'll reach the smaller of
Buckeye Camp
's
two sites (4.5 miles, 2050'). Marked by a fire ring and a weathered table, this site of-
fers room for up to two tents. Onward, the trail threads between two large valley oaks
and leads 100 yards farther to the large main site (2060'), which can accommodate
several tents in the shade of a large fragrant bay. This is an ideal spot for a group
outing, with plenty of room to play Frisbee or frolic in the broad meadow. A reliable
spring-fed creek passes just south of camp, though in summer the shallow murky wa-
ter may lose its appeal.
Scattered large ponderosa and Coulter pines and eucalyptus trees border the
meadow, which in spring is painted with deep purple lupines. Enjoy the beautiful sur-
roundings before returning to the trailhead. If you're after a grander tour of the wil-
derness, refer to the following trip and reverse the trail description.
A BLESSING & A CURSE
While the dedication of Highway 1 in 1938 opened the Big Sur wilderness for all
to enjoy, the construction project was also the source of devastating environmental
damage, as crews dynamited and bulldozed coastal slopes to forge road cuts and
bridges. Some of these scars remain, requiring continual maintenance and retrofit-
ting. In stretches, heavy winter storms spawn landslides that can close the highway
for extended periods. Invasive plant species compound the problem, as they choke
out native flora, which loosens soil and boosts the potential for further slides.
Residents have long lobbied on behalf of the region, motivated by environment-
al concerns and fears that tourism might lead to rampant development and commer-
cialism. Soon after the highway opened, residents lobbied the local board of supervi-
sors and county planning commission to ban billboards and similar visual noise. As
a result, visitors today can still enjoy stunning, uninterrupted vistas from the many
turnouts along Highway 1.
