VENTANA WILDERNESS ALLIANCE
On-Line Trail Conditions Report

CRUIKSHANK TRAIL

• USFS trail #5E10
• Parking: Hwy. 1 south of Villa Creek Bridge
• Watersheds: Villa Creek
• Junctions: Buckeye Trail
• Connects: Hwy 1 with South Coast Ridge Jeep Trail
• Camps: Cruikshank Camps, Silver Camp, Lion's Den Camp

Conditions reported by: Pablo
Survey date: 29-JANUARY-2008
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

Section: Buckeye Camp to Silver Camp - Passable

The tread is very faint in stretches- definitely need to exercise your pattern recognition skills. Silver camp has a rock fire ring and iron stove. Remnants of the broken table lay on the ground. There is a relatively new wooden sign announcing that you are now at 'Silver Public Campground'. A small creek just to the east of the camp is running with rather silty water.

Section: Silver Camp to Coast Ridge Road - Difficult

Difficult with a dangerous to traverse landslide about one half mile out of Silver. Some brush encroaching on the trail at chest height was annoying but could be pushed through. I never saw the spur leading to Lion Den Camp. Views from Coast Ridge 'Road' (more of a wide trail than a road and not suitable for vehicles in this area) were great. I wanted to hike south along the Coast Ridge Road and loop back to Salmon Creek Station via the Salmon Creek trail. Topo and guide book said this junction was a few tenths of a mile south of Cruickshank-Coast Ridge junction, but I could not find Salmon in spite of traversing the route twice. Water was plentiful this time of year all the way to Lion Den. Poison Oak was tolerable with little above knee height. Conditions reported by: P. J.
Survey date: 8-MARCH-2008
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Many ticks, picked 20-30 off my legs on the way up, otherwise trail very well defined bordering on wilderness freeway. Poison Oak moderate, mostly below knee level and not growing over the trail. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 1-SEPTEMBER-2007
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Overall: It was a warm day as Darlene and I headed to Villa Creek Camp. It was clear as a bell and we say only one flower a Crimson Columbine while crossing Villa Creek.

Once we reached Villa Creek Camp we can say the water is lower than I have ever seen it in 20 years of exploring this area. The pool just below the camp was about 1 1/2 feet lower than normal than this time last year.

There has been some recent brushing on this trail clearing many encroaching limbs above the waist. Thanks to the one taking the time to make this trail more enjoyable.

Section: Coast Highway to Upper Cruikshank Camp - Clear

The trail was clear with encroaching brush some places below the waist. The beehive that had been right next to the trail about 1.5 miles in appears to be gone. We saw no activity in either direction.

Section: Upper Cruikshank to Villa Creek Camp - Clear

The camp itself is in good condition as were both upper and lower Cruikshank Camps. Conditions reported by: Jean B. LeBlanc
Survey date: 26-AUGUST-2007
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Overall:

The ever-encroaching brush (especially poison oak) continues to invade this trail at foot and face level (and everywhere in between), and some of the steeper hillside sections have become precariously narrow due to erosion, but this remains a spectacular trail and thanks to the hard work of the various volunteer trail crews, the route to the the top is clear and free of virtually all obstacles.

Section: Coast Highway to Upper Cruikshank Camp - Clear to Wilderness Freeway

Once you get up through the switchbacks and loop around into Villa Creek Canyon, the brush starts to encroach in places but overall this section is quite pleasant, especially in the shady and cool ravines.

Section: Upper Cruikshank Camp to Silver Camp - Clear

The switchbacks in the last part of this section are becoming a little overgrown but the tread is easy to follow and you can get through easily. The former picnic table at Silver Camp is now a stack of wood that you can sit (or lie down) on. A prior camper at this site had thoughtfully left a couple of bundles of firewood next to the stove. The water in the creek next to camp was barely flowing.

Section: Silver Camp to Silver Peak Road - Passable to Clear

A number of sections of the trail from Silver Camp to the Silver Peak Road are on very steep hillsides and erosion is taking its toll, especially in the short stretch after you pass the first big ravine out of Silver Camp.

Section: Silver Peak Road to Silver Peak (turning right when you hit Silver Peak Road instead of left (left would take you to Lions Den Camp)) - Clear to Wilderness Freeway

(you do need to duck sometimes in the "brush tunnel" that starts after about 1/2 mile). It was a very clear day, so once up on top I had great views in all directions (I could see many of the peaks of the Ventana Wilderness, Fort Hunter Liggett, Lake San Antonio, Piedras Blancas and all points between). Conditions reported by: Greg M
Survey date: 7-APRIL-2007
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Buckeye Trail to South Coast Ridge Road - Clear

The Cruikshank Trail suffers from erosion and slipping hillsides, especially beyond Silver Camp. However, the recent trail maintenance performed on this trail has kept it clear of deadfalls and most brush. The brush is, as always, growing back, but presents no problem at this time. Poison Oak is in all of its forms now, with new growth alongside flowering plants alongside still-dormant stalks.

There are 3 water sources flowing between Silver Camp and the South Coast Ridge Road, with all 3 sources flowing strong and clear.

Silver Camp was clean and in good shape, despite the table at the creekside site being nothing more than a couple of planks without legs. The state of most all the Ventana/Silver Peak campsite tables is pathetic. I still like the upper camp, perched on the little knoll above the creek. The upper camp has no table. Stoves are intact at both camp sites.

Lions Den Camp is one of the prettiest camp sites in Ventana. The dilapidated table, being upheld by a large tree and a little magic, is sagging ever lower towards the ground, and is covered in sap droplets from the tree. The concrete blocks used to anchor the tables long ago have been creatively stacked to form a couple of comfy chairs. The spring-fed creek was flowing nicely. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 20-JANUARY-2007
General: CLEAR
Specific:

General:

15 of us hiked the Cruickshank and Buckeye Trails to Alder Camp last Saturday, the weather was great. A few flowers were out, shooting stars, peony, and milk maids.

Very few ticks this day.

Section: Coast Highway to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear

A few sections with encroaching brush, some sections of Wilderness freeway. Conditions reported by: John Yeo
Survey date: 3-JANUARY-2007
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Coast Highway to Cruikshank Camp - Clear

Trail is clear and easy to follow. Tread is generally in good shape, except a few spots where deerbrush has pushed the tread downhill. Brush is at bay for the most part. Water is available at Cruickshank Camp.

Section: Cruikshank Camp to Lions Den Camp - Passable

Trail is passable but brushy all through Villa creek canyon. Once over the ridge, the trail follows a dozer cut and is wilderness freeway. Water was flowing at Silver Camp and three other spots along the way. The spring at Lions Den was also flowing.

Section: Dozer cut to Silver Peak Summit - Passable/Wilderness Freeway

At the top of the ridge out of Villa Creek canyon, the trail forks. Lions Den is to the left. To the right, a dozer cut follows the ridgeline to the Silver Peak summit. This section is very brushy for a short section but is wilderness freeway otherwise. No water along this stretch. Conditions reported by: Mike M
Survey date: 4-JANUARY-2007
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Coast Highway to Upper Cruikshank and Villa Camps

Generally the trail's in good shape. Very easy to follow. There is poison oak that will need to be cut back (again it looks like), but still passable. Could use a couple of water bars on one straightaway that doesn't have any - in the middle of the initial switchbacks - (was hiking out in the rain watching the water, but didn't have a shovel). Conditions reported by: D.H. Zicari
Survey date: 1-SEPTEMBER-2006
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

Section: Coast Highway to Villa Camp - Passable

The trail was easy to follow but the massive amount of poison oak from beginning to end was unavoidable. Conditions reported by: Greg Minter
Survey date: 2-JULY-2006
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Upper Cruickshank Camp to Ridge Road - Clear to Passable

The trail is less travelled here, and the brush is present but poses no problem. The tread is well defined and easy to follow. Recent trail work has really paid off for this spectacular stretch up the Villa Creek valley. The creek at Silver Camp was flowing well. The upper camp on the knoll is more inviting than the somewhat overgrown, barren creekside camp. Lion Den Camp is an absolute jewel, with a hilariously dilapidated table that is being held up by non-Euclidian geometry. You would think the USFS might be able to put in a new table here once every 50 years or so, since the camp is only ~1 mile from the Ridge Road. The spring-fed creek at Lion Den was flowing well. It's an easy-to-follow bulldozed road from Lion Den to the Ridge Road. Conditions reported by: Myron and Carina Nickerson
Survey date: 18-APRIL-2006
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Highway 1 to Silver Camp - Clear

Pretty smooth sailing the whole way up. Some ticks on upper slopes. Water flowing near camp and at creek down trail past Silver Camp. Plenty of water sources near Upper and Lower Cruickshank camps as well. Conditions reported by: Lee Kenyon
Survey date: 30-APRIL-2006
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Coast Ridge Road to Cruikshank Camp - Clear

This is another trail that receives grim reviews in the guidebooks for being nearly impassable, but which is in fact in excellent condition - thanks to the volunteer trailworkers on this message board, I would imagine.

There was some water at Lion Den and a spring of some sort a bit higher toward the ridge, but I would not expect these water sources to be reliable all summer. Plenty of water was available along Villa Creek and its tributaries.

The road/trail to Silver Peak was extremely easy most of the way, but there was a section in which the trail goes through a vegetation tunnel. This was passable, thanks no doubt to some recent work, but it's clearly going to require continued vigilance to keep it open. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 25-MARCH-2006
General: CLEAR
Specific:

It was a beautiful day as 9 of us headed to Lion Den Camp from Highway 1 along the Cruickshank Trail. As fog hugged the coast as until we hit the top of the switchbacks, it cleared up nicely all the way to Lion Den Camp. A few spring flowers are starting to show. (Shooting Stars, Hounds Tongue, Buttercups, and Milk Maids. After leaving Silver Camp, there was one oak and pine tree that came down but was easily negotiable. On the northern slopes beyond the rocky outcropping we encountered several patches of snow from the recent storms.

Section: Coast Highway to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear

Clear with encroaching brush. The front portion of the trail just before the switchbacks is a Wilderness Freeway.

Section: Cruickshank Camp to Silver Camp - Clear

Clear, encroaching brush, a few short sections of thick brush which can be pushed through easily.

Section: Silver Camp to Rocky Outcropping - Clear

Clear, two fallen trees just past Silver Camp. Tread is in fair condition going around Silver Creek.

Section: Rocky Outcropping to Lion Den Camp - Clear

Clear, with encroaching brush in sevreal short sections. No major trees across the trail at this time. The trail had been worked and cleared recently from the ridge down a about a 1/4 to 1/2 mile, New trail signs had been poated, the large tree across the trail at Lion Den had been cut an removed. The tread is is fair condition, but could use plenty of work to widen and fix some of the sloping conditions along the route. Conditions reported by: Jean LeBlanc
Survey date: 6-JANUARY-2006
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Highway 1 to Buckeye Trail junction - Clear

The trail is relatively clear, with tread well defined and no evidence of any damange from the Central Coast storm that hit on 1/1/06-1/2/06.

I only hiked the section from the trailhead to the junction of the Buckeye trail. The only problem encountered was a pair of small trees that looked like they had been knocked down in the storm and that were across the trail just after it crossed into Villa Creek canyon and completely blocked the trail. I cut through the first one and through most of the second one (there is still a small branch at ground level) so this section is now passable.

Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 5-NOVEMBER-2005
General: CLEAR
Specific:

The SLO Trail Volunteers have been busy this summer beating back the heavy spring growth. This past weekend we had a chance to hike to the Rocky Outcropping past Silver Camp.

It was a beautiful day, very few flies,and no ticks. Section: Trailhead to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear (sections of Wilderness Freeway)

Section: Upper Cruickshank to Silver Camp - Clear

Some encroaching brush, we managed to clip most of the overhanging brush making it more enjoyable.

Section: Silver Camp to Rocky Outcropping - Clear

tWe repaired several sections of trail near Silver Creek improving footing just past the creek. The one log just past the Rocky Outcropping has been removed and trail repaired. Conditions reported by: NJohn Kasik
Survey date: 25-JULY-2005
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

Brush is encroaching on trail in many areas, but the tread always visible and the trail is passable. No serious deadfall. Lots of poison oak. Hiked to Villa Creek camp - great run!! Conditions reported by: Jean LeBlanc
Survey date: 26-JUNE-2005
General: DIFFICULT
Specific:

Overall:

The trail is quickly becoming quite overgrown in places (especially higher up the mountain) and the tread is somewhat treacherous on some of the steeper hillsides. Section: Highway 1 to Upper Cruikshank Camp - Passable

The tread is in very good shape but once you pass the initial switchbacks and cross over to Villa Creek Canyon the shrubs are starting to encroach onto the trail quite a bit. Also, as noted in a prior report, there is a very large deadfall as your round a corner on a steep hillside; someone has chopped a foothold onto the deadfall to help you get across it. Section: Upper Cruikshank Camp to Silver Camp - Difficult

The relatively flat first section is in pretty good shape and the tread is well defined. The uphill section leading up to Silver Camp has become quite overgrown and requires a lot of squeezing between encroaching shrubs. This is the most overgrown section of the trail and needs a lot of work. Section: Silver Camp to Silver Peak Road - Passable

[Note--I did this hike in reverse, starting from the Coast Ridge Road, and when I reached the grassy open ridge above Silver Camp the trail kind of disappeared in the grass and I had to spend a little time trying to find it again]. This section crosses some steep hillsides and the tread at some spots has become a little treacherous (narrow and/or loose dirt and rocks). Once you work your way up out of the steeper canyons the trail is in good shape (with evidence of some recent trail work as you approach Silver Peak Road). Section: Silver Peak Road to Lions Den Camp - Wilderness Freeway

[this is, after all, a "road," albeit a pretty rough, beat up one]. Make sure to enjoy the views to the east across upper Salmon Creek Canyon. There is a huge deadfall (5 foot diameter trunk?) right across the trail just as you get to Lions Den Camp (it is right on top of the trail sign). [Note--if you are going "down" as opposed to "up" this trail, the deadfall completely hides the trail "down" out of Lions Den Camp--to find the trail when you are coming from above, as you reach the camp from above look for the big fallen tree to your right; the trail goes "through" that tree] Section: Lions Den Camp to Coast Ridge Road - Wilderness Highway

This is still a road. Enjoy the view from the top. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 9-JULY-2005
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Highway 1 to Buckeye Trail Junction

The first 2.5 miles of the Cruickshank Trail are the most open as increased traffic and continued brush clearing have created a well defined path, with very little over hanging brush. One tanbark oak lays across the trail just after the first set of redwoods. Getting over it is easy as a couple of foot holds have been created. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 25 JUNE-2005
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Highway 1 to Silver Peak Road

We saw lots of flowers, including farewell to spring, golden yarrow, Monkey Flower, and a Phantom Orchid along this trail.

The trail itself is in fair condition, as the SLO trail volunteers haver moved all the major deadfalls along the trail from bottom to top except for one about a mile in that has been cut but not removed at this time. There is one just past the rocky outcroppong. Both are easily traversed with and without a backpack. Tread work would greatly benefit the trail after crossing Silver Creek. It has filled in slightly since being built two years earlier.

With all the heavy rains this winter, there is plenty of encroaching brush and some poison oak, along all sections of the trail. We tookthe time to clear the section of trail above the switchbacks to the first set of redwoods, which fills in most every winter.

Section: Silver Peak Road to Silver Peak - Clear

Clear except for one section where one has to duck alot to get under the brush. Trip Pictures Conditions reported by: Wendy
Survey date: 22-MAY-2005
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

The first 1/4 mile of trail is slightly overgrown. After this the various switchbacks to the ridgeline are clear of all brush to the wilderness sign post. Brush becomes very overgrown and thick at this point on the south facing trail. There is much poison oak hanging into the trail for next mile or more until you get under the redwood groves. Almost all stream crossings are clear and running steadily. Both lower and upper Cruickshank camps have streams nearby. Villa Creek has fast running clean water and an easy crossing (good shallow swim spot) and an exceptional display of thousands of ladybugs flying down stream.

There is no shade coverage for first mile of trail until you reach the ridgeline, so it can get very hot! Poison oak and stinging nettle become a real problem after this point, but the destination of Villa Creek is well worth the journey. I highly recommend it. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 22-FEB-2005
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Cruickshank Trailhead to Cruickshank Camp : Wilderness Freeway to Clear

One new 2 foot diameter tree has fallen across the trail about a 1.5 miles from trail head easily crossed. Conditions reported by: Steve Wilson
Survey date: 22-JANUARY-2005
General: CLEAR
Specific:

The maze of deadfalls that once existed on the stretch between the Villa Creek overlook and the top of the Silver Peak Ridge is GONE. With the exception of some slippage with some exposure above Silver Camp, this trail is now clear sailing from Highway 1 to the South Coast Ridge Road. Conditions reported by: Robert Parks
Survey date: 16-JANUARY-2005
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Hwy 1 to Cruickshank Camp : Clear

Clear with no issues other than minor tread slippage and minor deadfalls.

Section: Cruickshank Camp to Silver Peak dozer cut : Clear

Some minor deadfalls and minor brush encroachment in this section. There are some sections where treadwork would be helpful and a few sections where the tread appears to be diverted from the original alignment (mostly briefly). The brush on the upper section is shading out at the base, so the problems will be more "fall-in" rather than "grow-in" in the near future. Proper credit should be given for the major brush work above Silver Camp.

The young cypress thicket just below the Silver Peak dozer cut is quite interesting.

Section: Silver Peak dozer cut to South Coast Ridge Road : Clear to Wilderness Freeway

Not much to say, other than it IS a road. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 22-DEC-2004
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Hwy. 1 trailhead to Cruickshank Camp

I am happy to report the SLO Trail Volunteers have been busy this season on the Cruickshank Trail. As of this writing the lower section has been brushed to the new trail turn off.

We also hiked to Alder Creek Camp where the trail is clear as well along the Buckeye Trail from Cruickshank to Alder Creek Camp. The crossing at Villa Creek is doable with no problems just some rock hopping or shinny across a log. 11 of us hiked the trail recently. A few small snags along the ridge between Villa Creek Camp Ridge line and Alder Creek. Conditions reported by: Kelley Ristau
Survey date: 29-MAY-2004
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

Section: Hwy. 1 trailhead to Silver Camp

Hwy. 1 to Cruikshank Camp:

The first half mile or so of this trail is a series of switchbacks heading up the ridge. Trail is clear and free of encroaching vegetation. Be sure to wear good shoes--my friend did not have hiking boots and she found the footing slippery at times.

Once at the ridge top, the vegetation changes and becomes noticeably thicker, with poison oak, blackberries (yum!), and other bushes starting to reach out into the trail. For about one quarter mile stretch, conditions are almost jungle-like! Again, be aware of ticks!!! Luckily, however, there is not too much poison oak in this particular section. Be sure to turn around every once in a while to catch glimpses of the Pacific, too. We saw a deer in this section and also encountered a snake across the trail on the hike back down, whom we nudged along gently with a stick. Also saw numerous droppings we suspected were from coyotes because of their color and size.

After pushing through the jungle, one reaches the coolness of the redwoods, with ferns and some of the largest clover I have ever seen interspersed. Several small creeks make nice resting places. As it was Memorial Day weekend, both Lower and Upper Cruikshank camps (which seemed like nice sites) were occupied by the time we reached them.

Upper Cruikshank Camp to Silver Camp:

To get to Silver Camp, follow the trail sign at Upper Cruikshank Camp towards the Buckeye Trail. This will lead you to a nice meadow dotted with oak trees. Here, when you see another trail marker, head to the left, uphill (going straight will take you to Buckeye Camp).

On the trail from Cruikshank to Silver, one must battle with numerous holly (I think?) bushes. Holly or not, they are spiky, and long pants are definitely a plus. Pants also help protect against the poison oak that is everywhere. The hike to Silver Camp is mostly uphill. Once we reached the camp, we found the main site occupied as well. If you turn right towards the west and head up the small ridge, there is a secondary camp site. We rebuilt the stone fire pit and repositioned a burned-out log as a make-shift seating area. There was enough clear area to pitch two tents. Although not as nice as the lower camp, perhaps, this site served us well. The upper and lower camps are sufficiently removed from one another so as to give parties at each site plenty of privacy.

Silver Camp towards Lion Den:

Although there is a small water source trickling along the lower camp, we chose to hike about 10 minutes further along the trail towards Lion Den to get our water at a stream with plenty of boulders, waterfalls and little pools. The trail to this point is in much worse shape. Heading down towards the stream along a ridge, the trail is slipping into the canyon below at several points. Be sure to watch your footing and keep to the upslope side of the trail, especially if attempting this with a pack.

At the stream, we ran into a woman who had hiked up from the Salmon Creek trailhead and camped at Lion Den the previous night. She said the trail was relatively passable, although a good deal of bushwhacking was necessary to get through the upper part of the Salmon Creek trail, from Estrella Camp to the Coast Ridge Road. Be aware of this if you are planning on doing the loop from Salmon Creek to Cruikshank to Buckeye. Conditions reported by: LORENZO/PATTY/KRISTEN/ALEX
Survey date: 15-APRIL-2004
General: PASSABLE
Specific:

Section: Hwy. 1 trailhead to Silver Camp

OUR GROUP OF 5 ENCOUNTERED MANY TICKS SO BRING YOUR DEET. THE TRAIL WAS A LITTLE OVERGROWN ON THE WAY TO CRUICKSHANK CAMP. ONCE CRUICKSHANK WAS REACHED WE MADE OUR WAY TO SILVER CAMP. THE TRAIL TO SILVER CAMP IS UNMARKED (ED. note: they missed the sign, or its finally fallen over) BUT YOU SHOULD JUST KEEP ON GOING STRAIGHT TO GET TO IT. RESTED AT SILVER CAMP AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO HEAD TO LION DEN. THE TRAIL AFTER SILVER CAMP IS IN VERY POOR CONDITION WITH MANY DEADFALLS AND A VERY NARROW TRAIL. SOME OF THE TRAIL ACTUALLY FELL DOWN INTO THE CANYON. WE TURNED BACK AND NEVER REACHED LION DEN. STAYED AT SILVER CAMP OVERNIGHT. VERY IMPRESSIVE OCEAN VIEWS AND GREAT WEATHER. Conditions reported by: John Yeo
Survey date: 17-MAR-2004
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Section: Hwy. 1 trailhead to Villa Camp

I hiked the Cruikshank trail to Villa Creek camp.The trail was very easy to follow, but is revegetation is starting to encroach on the trail in a few places. Lots of spider webs across the trail!

Lower cruikshank camp is pretty rundown, but cruikshank camp looks good. I missed the trail to Villa Creek camp, but found it when I backtracked. If you've left the trees, you've gone too far. It's easier to find on the way back.

The trail marked on the Los Padres National Forest, Monterey Ranger District map that follows Villa Creek isn't an actual trail - you just go down the creek bed. I went bouldering down the creek bed, but turned back as I was making pretty slow progress.

Photos at http://www.enteric.org/personal/031704/index.htm Conditions reported by: EW
Survey date: 24-JAN-2004
General: CLEAR
Specific: Highway 1 to Upper Cruikshank Camp:

Besides a bit of encroaching brush just after entering Villa Creek canyon (with a few winter ticks) the lower Cruikshank Trail is in fine shape & Upper Cruikshank Camp can easily be reached in an hour.

Water flowed at an iron-encrusted Redwood spring about 1.5 miles from the highway & again just below Lower Cruikshank Camp.

Invasive Cala Lillies & Periwinkles were blooming at the homestead site, but it was too late in the year for mealy pears from the remains of Ma Cruikshank's orchard.

Returning to the car took barely 45 minutes. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 19-JAN-2003
General: CLEAR TO PASSABLE
Specific:

Trailhead to Cruickshank Camp, Clear

Cruickshank to Silver Camp, Clear, some poison oak

Silver Camp to Rocky Outcropping, Clear, one tree to climb over, and a small washout at Silver Creek.

Rocky Outcropping up 25 minutes, (1 mile or so), Clear - some encroaching brush and Poison Oak.

Tree Section, 1/2 mile long, 35 or so trees to traverse, and some Poison oak., Takes about 15 minutes

From there to Lion Den, Clear, some encroaching brush and poison oak. Conditions reported by: Gary Felsman
Survey date: 3-MARCH-2002
General: Various: WILDERNESS FREEWAY TO DIFFICULT
Specific:

Well we finally did it. (made it to Lion Den Camp)

Our day started early on the Cruickshank Trail heading up to Lion's Den Camp and back. It was beautiful and clear as we started up the switchback then headed in the Villa Creek drainage. Flowers are starting to come out everywhere. We saw shooting Stars, a lone Iris, lots of Hounds Tongue, Milk Maids, Chocolate lilies and a host of others.

Once in the canyon the trail wound over lush green hillside contrasted by the red rocks on the other side of the canyon. The trail is clear all the way to Cruickshank Camp. Reaching Upper Cruickshank Camp a new sign has been stalled to help the hiker from being lost. Surprisingly enough there were mileage markers on the sign.

Once at Silver Camp pay careful attention to the trail as it is easy to miss the trail heading towards Silver creek. The meadow has lush green grass in it and a few side trails made by animals and lost visitors to this area. Most importantly head east when in doubt towards the hillside.

Crossing Silver Creek, some new tread has been laid making it easy to reach the Rocky outcropping for a quick snack.

Leaving the Rocky Outcropping behind we entered new territory for us. Our clearing of the next 1/2 mile of trail 2 years ago has held up well. More work has been done since then including removing heavy vegetation and downed trees. The tread still needs to be reworked but is better than we had suspected. This section can be classified as passable to clear, poor tread condition.

We finally hit the long awaited downed tree section. This section is about 1/2 to 3/4 mile long and can be quite tiresome on an up and back trip. Amazingly a lot of brush clearing has been down so you are not exactly bushwhacking anymore. Don't get me wrong there is still brush encroaching along the trail and poison oak as well. But as we climbed over and under all the trees most of the poison oak had been removed making it much easier to traverse. We trimmed more poison oak and brush all through this section. We even manage to decrease the number of trees to climb over by a whopping two trees, that make a total of 38 or so to climb, step over, or crawl under. This section of trail is easy to follow but again has poor tread in many places with a few clear spots.

Once out of the trees we hit the Juniper forest and tunnel all the way to the fire road. (Ed. note: these trees are Sargent Cypress and this Special Interest Area is the Lion¹s Den Spring Botanical Area due to the presence of these trees and associated rare endemics.) This section has encroaching trees and brush on both sides.

We finally made it to Lions Den Camp for a great view and short rest. It was well worth the trip. I would do it again in a heart beat if the trail was in better shape. If you plan to take this hike I suggest you get an early start. Bring a pair of loppers, or small shears to cut limbs on your travels.

We have posted a few pictures of a couple different trips up here at the following link:
http://santalucia.sierraclub.org/Cruickshank_Hike.html Conditions reported by: Neil Havlik
Survey date: 5-JULY-01
General: WILDERNESS FREEWAY to PASSABLE
Specific:

On July 5, 2001, I hiked from Highway 1 to Lion Den Camp and back, to enjoy Villa Canyon and check out the condition of the Cruickshank Trail. From Highway 1 to the Cruickshank Camps it is the usual wilderness freeway. Trail and tread are in great shape. I was also fortunate in that there was a dense fog on the switchbacks going up and I broke out into sunlight just at the top of them. The hike to Upper Cruickshank took just over one hour.

Above Upper Cruickshank Camp the trail rapidly become less open. There is a lot of poison oak encroachment going up to Silver Camp, and I am looking forward to some restoration work on the old switchbacks this fall. Silver Camp looked great, although I think the picnic table will be completely gone in another year or so.

Beyond Silver Camp the trail is in good shape into the Silver Creek Canyon. Some tread work and removal of deerweed is called for. The trail reaches a rocky vista point and then turns up into Villa Canyon. The next mile or so is a delight despite some poison oak encroachment and a need for minor brushing in places. The canyon is beautiful and the pines, redwoods, and Santa Lucia firs were really enjoyable to look at. The firs seem to be making a real comeback from the Gorda fire and many thrifty young trees are evident in the canyon bottom.

The next portion of the trail is the part in the poorest condition, with many downed trees across the trail and a lot of poison oak. There are numerous minor detours: most are no problem but two or three require some scrambling to get around or over. Beyond this area the chaparral takes over and the trail climbs up to the ridge. This stretch was brushed last year and is still in good shape. Just as you enter Lion Den Camp a large pine has broken off and blocked the trail. This will require a small reroute, but there should be no problem for firewood at Lion Den for a long time. The camp itself is a delight, clean and attractive. The campfire needs to be reset or the grate is going to disappear down the hill one of these days.

The return trip was a much easier hike. I took it really easy, taking pictures of the firs and enjoying the clear cold water in the small streams near the trail. I think that our biggest need for the Cruickshank is to cut back the poison oak in the one area and restore the trail where we can. Many of the downfalls are getting rotten and it isn't that hard to chop through them or break them off to do some tread restoration. A few will require permanent reroutes of the trail but they are not that big of a deal either.

All in all it was a most enjoyable hike. The canyon was beautiful and the recovery of the forest seemed much more obvious to me than even just last year. Perhaps a group of fanatics like me might get together and finish the restoration off, then start thinking about making the Salmon Creek-Cruickshank-Buckeye Loop less of a bushwhack. Conditions reported by: K. Dollard
Survey date: 25-FEB-01
General: CLEAR to PASSABLE to Silver Camp
Specific:

Yesterday we walked from Highway 1 to about an hour up from Silver Camp where our way was blocked by poison oak overhanging the trail from both sides. If I wasn't so allergic to poison oak it would have been easy to brush past the branches.

The trail seemed very good all the way to Upper Cruikshank Camp. From Upper Cruikshank Camp to Silver Camp, and after, poison oak avoidance was often quite tedious and slow going, but at least possible. It was beyond Silver Camp, well past the vista point, where the abundance of poison oak made the trail impassible for us. The tread gets quite narrow at times above Upper Cruikshank Camp and it is fortunate that there are a number of large tree trunks laying across the trail to discourage rougher use of the soft, wet and delicate tread. The trail was easy to follow at all times.

Shooting stars lined the trail in many places, paint brush colored sunnier slopes and some lupine and poppies were coming into bloom. We also saw some everlasting, ceanothus, buckwheat, and currants in flower. The frequent light rains brought out lots of bright banana slugs. Some lovely falls could be seen tumbling out of the craggy north sides of the canyon and Villa creek roared below us. The wet brush and woods were heavy with a multitude of wonderful fragrances.

Warning: Watch for ticks. Conditions reported by: Gary and Darlene Felsman
Survey date: 27-DECEMBER-00
General: CLEAR
Specific:

Upper Cruickshank Camp to Silver Camp = CLEAR

The trail to Silver Camp is in poor condition with a few downed trees, and encroaching vegetation. But I must say this trail is in the best shape it has been in for a long time as it is now easily passable. The tread is there for the most part, but can definitely use some work fixing many small slides and areas that now circumvent vegetation along the trail. The one restored switchback about half way to Silver Camp is still clear with one downed tree 12 to 18 inches in diameter across the trail. We pass this by climbing under the downed log. There are still a few missing switchbacks as the trail takes several detours straight up the hill. Reaching the ridge line the trail is in average condition all the way into Silver Camp.

Silver Camp toward Lions Den Camp, PASSABLE TO CLEAR

To extend our day and from previous reports of improved trails sections we pressed on towards Lions Den Camp. We followed the trail to the first creek crossing with ease. The trail is clear, and the tread is in poor to average condition. From the creek to a large rocky outcropping the tread has been graded and brushed to improve footing. A second pass along this section of trail to widen and stabilize it is necessary. Our thanks go to the volunteers who fixed this section of trail. This section is a great improvement over having next to no tread at all. Leaving the rocky outcropping it was our turn to make some improvement along the way. We hiked for 1/2 to 1 mile to the fourth set of large downed trees across the trail, and the vegetation appeared to get thicker once we reached this spot. We cleared most of the overhanging and encroaching vegetation along this section of trail. The trail is now easily passable to this point. The tread is in poor condition with many small slides along this section of trail. We are getting close to having the entire Cruikshank Trail being in passable to clear condition.

I have to say the Cruikshank trail is in the best condition it has been in for years due to the many hours of volunteer work being done by various individuals and groups. If there is any way we can get additional assistance from the Forest Service it would be greatly appreciated. We need the most help removing the many large downed trees between Lion's Den Camp and Silver Camp. There are about 40 trees in all. Conditions reported by: Steve Chambers
Survey date: 26-NOVEMBER-00
General: Cruikshank Camps to Silver Camp = CLEAR
Specific:

We saw many different varieties of mushrooms along this section of trail.

Silver Camp thru Lion's Den Camp to the Coast Ridge = CLEAR BEGINNING WITH A DIFFICULT DEADFALL SECTION.

Again volunteers from S.L.O. county have repaired many sections of dangerous tread into and out of the spectacular Silver Creek canyon. The trail continues ascending into Villa Creek. As it draws near to the creek itself, many trees killed by the Gorda Fire of 1985 have fallen across the trail, making travel difficult and slow. After a grove of Santa Lucia Firs are passed the downfalls decrease, as the trail switchbacks up, thru a dense grove of rare Sargent Cypress saplings. The trail then reaches a rocky ridge separating the drainages of Villa and Salmon Creeks.

The trail now becomes a bulldozed firebreak cut or re-cut during the 1985 Gorda Fire. The route descends to reach Lion's Den Spring, then a creeklet and the camp. The trail, firebreak, ex-road, with many deep erosion scars, now climbs to meet the Coast Ridge Road. Conditions reported by: Art Simon
Survey date: 21-OCTOBER-00
General: PASSABLE TO CLEAR
Specific:

Someone has done a lot of work on this stretch of trail this summer. For about a mile above Silver Camp the tread has been worked and is now in good shape. Above that, the worst problem seemed to be deadfall and most everything that can be cleared has been removed. Dave Nelson, Mike Splain and I did a bit of trimming and moved some of the remaining deadfall this past weekend. The trail is currently easy to follow, and generally clear. There are several large downed trees you'll have to scramble over or under, though steps have been thoughtfully provided on many of these trees!

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I've a bit to add to Art's report... This trail was in surprisingly good shape. The summer crews did some GREAT tread work (thank you). On 10/21 we sawed and clipped some more but the only real problem is all the snags to crawl under or over. The grade goes up or down to accommodate these snags but the intrepid backpacker will have few problems. Many are more than 24 in. diameter but will ensure a mountain-bike free trail.There were six water sources, besides Silver Creek, on the way to Lion's den.

Dave Nelson Conditions reported by: Neil Havlik
Survey date: 27-AUGUST-00
General: PASSABLE WITH DIFFICULT SECTIONS
Specific:

Three volunteers reconnoitered the upper half of the Cruickshank Trail and worked on various locations there on August 27. Lion Den Camp is in great shape; clean and attractive. The spring is low but flowing, and should pick up as the weather gets cooler. The (old road) trail from Coast Ridge Road is in good condition down to the camp and beyond to where the (real) trail descends into Villa Canyon. From there the trail remains in good condition after minor brushing down to the Santa Lucia fir grove. This is about 1 1/4 mile from Lion Den Camp. For the next mile or so there are several detours necessitated by old downfall; some of these are far too large to remove. These sites need to be accepted and given improved detour grade and tread. I think it is impossible to restore the original tread in at least two of these sites. There are, however, several others where downfall can be cleared and the original tread restored. After about a mile of this there are no more major detours and the trail is in fair condition but needs some brushing. We went as far as the vista point above Silver Creek Canyon, from which point earlier work has been done down into Silver Camp. The volunteers undertook several areas of clearing and restoring the tread, plus brushing. The trail is passable from top to bottom without major difficulty; a couple of logs require that one remove his/her backpack to get under. Other than that, and lots of poison oak, the trail is in as good a condition as it has been for years. The planned Pimkolam crew expedition in October should be able to clean up most of the problem areas. We found a spring slightly below the trail at one repair site within the fir grove that was flowing very well and provided plenty of clear, cold water. The flow could be clearly heard from the trail. There is water at Silver Creek and again about a mile upcanyon, then another mile or so at the repair site. After that there is no reliable water until Lion Den Camp is reached. Conditions reported by: Emily Penfield
Survey date: 23-JULY-00
General: CLEAR TO DIFFICULT
Specific:

Two volunteers worked on the stretch of trail from just before Silver Creek to the vista point. This stretch and been cleared, logs removed, and the tread worked in places. As a result the trail through Silver Creek Canyon is in the best shape it has been in in years. Beyond the vista point brush has regrown from clearing last year but is not too difficult for the next mile. Then there is another mile or so that has many fallen trees too big to cut, poison oak, and some short reroutes in need of better footing and grade. The last mile into Lion Den is fair, with some regrowth of clearing last year until the old road is reached.

Main needs for the trail at this time are to restore the switchbacks between Upper Cruikshank and Silver Camps, cut poison oak, and work the one unworked mile remaining between Silver and Lion Den. These are difficult and are mainly fall or winter work except for fanatics. Conditions reported by: Neil Havlik
Survey date: 04-JUNE-00
General: CLEAR TO DIFFICULT
Specific:

Three volunteers worked on the Cruickshank Trail from Silver Creek above Silver Camp for about 1/3 mile on June 4, 2000. The trail was cleared and new tread installed with minor realignments, making this portion of the trail a much easier hike. There remains a short difficult stretch just below Silver Creek. Beyond the end of the work area the trail can be followed but needs brushing and realignment up to the vista point overlooking Villa Canyon. The volunteers are looking at restoration of the switchbacks between Upper Cruickshank and Silver Camp as a late summer or fall project.