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The Best Backpacking in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Looking for the best backpacking in Carmel-by-the-Sea? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Carmel-by-the-Sea. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Carmel-by-the-Sea

  • Sand City, California

    Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo

    130 mi / 9000 ft gain
    Please be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing....
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  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Pat Springs via Skinners Ridge

    3.5
    13.18 mi / 3645 ft gain
    Backpacking to Pat Springs is a way to see Big Sur and the San Lucia mountains from a perspective that few get to experience. The Ventana Wilderness is rugged and remote, yet Pat Springs is one of the most beautiful campgrounds around that will allow you to take in this amazing terrain.  To get ...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

    4.2
    18.96 mi / 7339 ft gain
    The trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop

    2.0
    33.45 mi / 11388 ft gain
    If you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy does of elevation, beautiful primitive camping amon...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike Coast Ridge Road to Terrace Creek Trail

    8 mi / 1889 ft gain
    This winding path takes you high above the ocean and some wooded areas provide shade along the way. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is open year-round but can be a bit muddy after heavy rains.  Turn off of Cabrillo Highway onto Coast Ridge Road, park, and head up!
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  • Greenfield, California

    Jack's Cabin

    11.13 mi / 3130 ft gain
    Jack's Cabin is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.
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  • Aptos, California

    Epicenter to Five Finger Falls

    15.41 mi / 2408 ft gain
    Epicenter to Five Finger Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Aptos, California.
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  • Aptos, California

    Sand Point Overlook Via West Ridge Loop

    13.75 mi / 2175 ft gain
    Sand Point Overlook Via West Ridge Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Aptos, California.
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  • Soquel, California

    Hinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain

    13.16 mi / 2690 ft gain
    Hinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Soquel, California.
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  • Soquel, California

    Five Finger Falls via Hinckley Basin Fire Road

    12.27 mi / 2904 ft gain
    Five Finger Falls via Hinckley Basin Fire Road is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Soquel, California.
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  • Greenfield, California

    Junipero Serra Peak

    11.15 mi / 3691 ft gain
    Junipero Serra Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.
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  • Morgan Hill, California

    Mayfair Ranch Trail to Serpentine Loop Trail

    8.02 mi / 1755 ft gain
    Mayfair Ranch Trail to Serpentine Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Jose, California.
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  • Morgan Hill, California

    Rancho Canada del Oro and Calero Park Loop

    16.06 mi / 3428 ft gain
    Rancho Canada del Oro and Calero Park Loop s an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.
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  • Paicines, California

    Condor Gulch Overlook Loop via Peaks View Area

    5.74 mi / 1490 ft gain
    Condor Gulch Overlook Loop via Peaks View Area is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.
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  • Big Sur, California

    Goat Camp via Twitchwell Flat Use Trail

    5.0
    9.2 mi / 3852 ft gain
    To find this trailhead, head down Highway 1 towards Limekiln State Park Campground. Between Lucia and Limekiln, there should be a shoulder off the side of the road to park overnight. Cross the street to the trailhead of Twitchwell Flat Use Trail. Bear in mind that there is abundant poison oak alo...
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  • Gilroy, California

    Redfern Pond from Hunting Hollow Trail

    7.3 mi / 1364 ft gain
    Redfern Pond from Hunting Hollow Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Gilroy, California
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