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 gainPlease 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....Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Pat Springs via Skinners Ridge
3.513.18 mi / 3645 ft gainBackpacking 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 ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail
4.218.96 mi / 7339 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop
2.033.45 mi / 11388 ft gainIf 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...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Hike Coast Ridge Road to Terrace Creek Trail
8 mi / 1889 ft gainThis 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!Read more -
Greenfield, California
Jack's Cabin
11.13 mi / 3130 ft gainJack's Cabin is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.Read more -
Aptos, California
Epicenter to Five Finger Falls
15.41 mi / 2408 ft gainEpicenter to Five Finger Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Aptos, California.Read more -
Aptos, California
Sand Point Overlook Via West Ridge Loop
13.75 mi / 2175 ft gainSand Point Overlook Via West Ridge Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Aptos, California.Read more -
Soquel, California
Hinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain
13.16 mi / 2690 ft gainHinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Soquel, California.Read more -
Soquel, California
Five Finger Falls via Hinckley Basin Fire Road
12.27 mi / 2904 ft gainFive Finger Falls via Hinckley Basin Fire Road is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Soquel, California.Read more -
Greenfield, California
Junipero Serra Peak
11.15 mi / 3691 ft gainJunipero Serra Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Mayfair Ranch Trail to Serpentine Loop Trail
8.02 mi / 1755 ft gainMayfair Ranch Trail to Serpentine Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Jose, California.Read more -
Morgan Hill, California
Rancho Canada del Oro and Calero Park Loop
16.06 mi / 3428 ft gainRancho Canada del Oro and Calero Park Loop s an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.Read more -
Paicines, California
Condor Gulch Overlook Loop via Peaks View Area
5.74 mi / 1490 ft gainCondor Gulch Overlook Loop via Peaks View Area is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.Read more -
Big Sur, California
Goat Camp via Twitchwell Flat Use Trail
5.09.2 mi / 3852 ft gainTo 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...Read more -
Gilroy, California
Redfern Pond from Hunting Hollow Trail
7.3 mi / 1364 ft gainRedfern Pond from Hunting Hollow Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Gilroy, CaliforniaRead more