Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
southeast and descend a scenic ridge toward a notable lone oak on a small grassy
knoll. Pause along the ridge for astounding views south across the
San Carpoforo
drainage
and southern boundary of the
Silver Peak Wilderness.
Before reaching the lone oak, you'll switchback south and descend to a minor
gully (5.4 miles, 1560'), where several cattle paths cross the trail, headed north toward
a creekside meadow. The trail contours to a minor ridge and the junction with another
well-worn
cattle path
(5.8 miles, 1530') that hikers often mistake for the main trail.
On my hike, pink flagging hung from a gray pine with a prominent forked top, mark-
ing this easily missed junction.
The cattle path leads straight past the gray pine, then plunges 0.7 mile down the
southwest-facing walls of Dutra Creek canyon to
Baldwin Ranch Road.
From here,
you could follow the less-scenic road 1.7 miles to the San Carpoforo Camp Trail.
If you prefer to continue on the main trail, turn left at the flagged junction just
past the gray pine. In 0.3 mile, the trail crosses a small stream amid an open valley and
arrives in
Turkey Springs Camp
(6.1 miles, 1410'). The peaceful site offers room for
two tents in the shade of oaks and bays along a small spring-fed creek.
Beyond camp the trail meanders through the valley, crossing the creek four more
times on its descent to Baldwin Ranch Road (7.3 miles, 740'). The trail merges with
the well-graded road 0.3 mile farther to the signed
San Carpoforo Camp Trail junc-
tion.
Turn right off the dirt road to cross a broad meadow to
San Carpoforo Creek.
This crossing is usually a knee-deep ford, though heavy winter rains may swell the
creek, rendering it impassable. The trail continues downstream through dense willows
and thickets of stinging nettles.
Brushing carefully past the nettles, you'll cross the creek once more to reach
San
Carpoforo Camp
(7.8 miles, 650'), which offers room enough for up to five tents in
the shade. In summer, swimming holes along the creek offer respite from the heat.
Note that the spelling of
San Carpoforo
on trail signs varies from “Carpoforo” to
“Carpojo.” USGS maps list it as Carpoforo, while locals pronounce it Carpojo.
