The Best Backpacking in Paicines

Condor Gulch Overlook Loop via Peaks View Area is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.

Jack's Cabin is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.

Henry W. Coe State Park, northern California's largest, provides outdoor enthusiasts with over 89,000 acres of land to explore, as well as 22,000 acres of designated wilderness area. With all of this space, the outdoor adventures are seemingly endless. We recommend a multi-day backpacking trip to...

Redfern Pond from Hunting Hollow Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Gilroy, California

Coit Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Gilroy, California.

Pacheco Falls Loop via Coyote Creek/Hunting Hollow is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Gilroy, California.

Kelly and Coit Lakes Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Gilroy, California.

Junipero Serra Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.

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....

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 ...

This trail can be started from Coe Headquarters or Hunting Hollow Trailhead. The trail from Coe HQ is 2 miles longer, almost all elevation but provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. These directions will be starting from Coe HQ.Follow the loop around the parking area to the backpa...

If you're tired of trying and failing to get reservations for backcountry camping around the bay area, then Henry Coe State Park is the perfect place to visit. No reservations need to be made prior to the trip. All you need to do is get to the HQ on the morning of your trip, get your permits and ...

Bear Springs Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Morgan Hill, California.

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!

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...

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...