Towering to nearly 6,000 feet just under 3 miles from the Pacific coast, Cone Peak forms the most extreme coastal slope in the contiguous United States. What does this mean for the hiker? Jawdropping views of the Big Sur coast at nearly every turn. A hike along the Cone Peak Loop in spring means riotous wildflower displays, far-reaching views, babbling creeks, and camping in majestic redwood groves.

This will be a very strenuous backpack, covering nearly twenty miles in three days at a purposeful pace over steep trail and very rugged terrain, so this trip is suitable only for highly experienced backpackers in very good condition. We’ll cheerfully face the possibility of some bushwhacking, ticks, rattlesnakes fresh from hibernation, and occasional poison oak. Because of the very strenuous nature of this trip, the leader reserves the right to qualify participants. This is a consciously low-impact outing, so carpool participation is encouraged and participants are urged to contribute to their vehicle’s shared mileage and gas costs.

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 three confirmed signups as of 8:00pm, Tuesday, April 28. 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 Friday, May 1 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.