Few places in the world match Big Sur for sheer scenic grandeur. Visitors flock here to relax in its redwoods, gaze at its spectacular coastline, or seek out the spiritual aura that has long lured writers and artists. It can be a crowded place on a holiday weekend, but we’ll escape the crowds on this quiet three-day, two-night loop through its secretive redwood canyons and high ridges, sampling swimming holes and shady riverside camps along the way.

This will be a very strenuous backpack, covering nearly 40 miles in three days at a purposeful pace over rugged terrain, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in very good shape. We’ll cheerfully face the possibility of bushwhacking, stream crossings, ticks, mosquitoes, rattlesnakes fresh from hibernation, and abundant poison oak and stinging nettles. Signup preference will be given to GayOutdoors “Full Members,” and the leader reserves the right to qualify participants. Estimated per-person cost of $95 (carpool gas & mileage) must be pre-paid via Paypal and will be refunded only if the leader cancels or if a replacement signup is found. This is a consciously low-impact outing, so carpool participation is required.

This trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast. A National Weather Service forecast of rain within 72 hours of our start will cancel or re-route this trip at the sole discretion of the leader, as will fewer than four confirmed and paid signups as of Saturday, May 5. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any shared meals, so please plan to provide your own three-day supply of food.

We’ll meet up to consolidate our carpool in Camarillo (Pleasant Valley Road x US101) at 7:00am (SHARP!) on the morning of Saturday, May 26 in preparation for our long (4-hour) drive to the trailhead. L.A.-based hikers should plan on leaving L.A. no later than 6:00am.