Re: First time backpacking in Big Sur

Start at China Camp on Tassajara Rd. off Carmel Valley Rd. Hike down the Miller Fork Trail to the junction with the Carmel River Trail, then turn up the trail and go to Pine Valley, turn up the Pine Ridge Trail at Church Creek Divide and back up to China Camp. Good loop along the cool Carmel River Valley, plenty of river crossings (and poison oak- it's everywhere in the Big Sur area). Plenty of good camps and just under 25 miles total. Recommended camps are Carmel River Camp, Hiding Camp and Pine Valley Camp. You won't find water on any of the ridge trails this time of year and this trail will probably be the least crowded on the holiday weekend.