So I'm planning a hike in the area for some friends and I. Some are not in the best of shape, so I'm looking for a 5-7 mile hike and 5-7 mile hike back. Then I was thinking we would be able to head to the beach in the afternoon for an hour or two before heading home. We're driving about 3 hours to get to these places.
My current thoughts are
1) China Camp -> Pine Valley Camp -> Back. How long is the drive from there to Carmel or the beach? Seems like it would take a long time. I do like that there is a waterfall nearby.
2) Bottchers -> Carmel Peak -> back down to Apple camp -> Back. Is there a campsite at the top with some sort of water or stream? Would love to camp with the view.
3) Bottchers -> Comings Campsite or Pat Springs Camp -> Back. If you would choose this, anything you can tell me about this area? Is there water? Nice area? How far is Pat Springs Camp? I have seen ~7 miles and another stating ~8 miles.
I don't have a trailmap other than the two that are provided in the two books I purchased. Will probably pick one up once I'm down in the area, but would like to make plans first.
If one of my larger friends does not come then a 7 mile hike would not be all that bad.
