Date Hiked: February 14, 2021
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Very good conditions all the way from the ridge road to Cruikshank camp. No complaints at all.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION - updated February 25, 2021
ALERT: Due to a January 26-28 storm, Highway 1 is closed from Big Creek Vista Point in the south to just north of Lime Creek Bridge in the north. Long-term, there is a significant washout of the Highway 1 at Rat Creek (just north of Big Creek Reserve and just south of Esalen Institute). Expect this closure to be in place until summer 2021. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (which connects Highway 1 at Kirk Creek with Fort Hunter Liggett on the eastern side of the Coast Ridge) is also significantly damaged and may not be open for quite some time.
Effective January 22, 2021 U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest has re-opened most unburned areas of the Monterey Ranger District. In and around the northern Ventana Wilderness, most lands north of and including the Marble Peak Trail are open. Wilderness camps in the backcountry can be accessed from the Arroyo Seco Recreation Area near Greenfield (off 101) or via Tassajara Road deep in the Carmel Valley.
The Pine Ridge Trail from Big Sur Station to Redwood Camp remains closed.
Lands south of Willow Creek Road, including most of the Silver Peak Wilderness, are also open.
Most secondary roads (including Del Venturi/Milpitas, Nacimiento-Fergusson, Plaskett Ridge, Willow Creek/Los Burros, & South Coast Ridge roads) remain gated and closed.
This map depicts the closure boundary. Not sure if a particular road, trail, or camp is open? Call the Monterey Ranger District at 831-385-5434. Please enjoy your public lands responsibly. When in place, abide by NO CAMPFIRE restrictions. Pack out everything you pack in (including toilet paper). Leave this special place better than you found it. Leave No Trace ethics are more important than ever with visitors concentrated in fewer places to go.
State Parks
The following are open for day use: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Garrapata State Park - Soberanes Canyon Trail, Andrew Molera State Park, Point Sur State Historic Park (tours only), and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (go online or call to find out if the park's campgrounds are open)
The following remain closed: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, John Little State Natural Reserve, Limekiln State Park
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (additional US Forest Service information for the Monterey Ranger District): Please note that the information above is oftentimes more up-to-date than the US Forest Service site. Call 831-385-5434 with questions.
Cruikshank Trail
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by driggsy on Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:51 am
- driggsy
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:22 am
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by stefanie_g on Wed Feb 10, 2021 11:13 am
Glad to hear the trail is passible! For the LionsDen camping area, do you happen to have a GPS pin or location? I keep seeing varying locations, all within a .5 miles stretch of the trail. I'm working on a project for a company called Art of the Trek and was hoping to narrow down the location a little better.
bheav wrote:Date Hiked: January 23, 2021
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
We did the whole Salmon Creek loop going clockwise. The trail was very well maintained until slightly after buckeye camp. The trail was pretty overgrown but definitely passable. We hiked all the way to lions den in the first day. Make sure if you plan on staying up there to stock up on water either at silver camp or estrella on the salmon creek side. There is no water past a certain point. After we spent the night at lions den made our way down the salmon creek trail which has tons of water after about 2 miles down. Overall the trail was in good shape and we had a great time!
- stefanie_g
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2020 5:10 pm
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:47 am
Date Hiked: February 4, 2021
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: PARTIALLY OPEN, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is partially open per Forest Order 05-07-51-21-02
Current Fire Restrictions: Campfires and Stoves are permitted in the backcountry with a valid Campfire/Stove Permit.
Description:
The Monterey Ranger District Forest has partially reopened, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare opening other parts of the closed forest and are continuing their regular patrols. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to the Buckeye Jct. above Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleared nine snags that had fallen across the trail. They checked upper and lower Criuckshank Camps and more. Water is available at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchbacks to Buckeye Trail Jct. to Estrella Camp - Clear with encroaching brush. Most of the brush is during the first 1/4 mile past the wilderness boundary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: PARTIALLY OPEN, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is partially open per Forest Order 05-07-51-21-02
Current Fire Restrictions: Campfires and Stoves are permitted in the backcountry with a valid Campfire/Stove Permit.
Description:
The Monterey Ranger District Forest has partially reopened, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare opening other parts of the closed forest and are continuing their regular patrols. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to the Buckeye Jct. above Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleared nine snags that had fallen across the trail. They checked upper and lower Criuckshank Camps and more. Water is available at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchbacks to Buckeye Trail Jct. to Estrella Camp - Clear with encroaching brush. Most of the brush is during the first 1/4 mile past the wilderness boundary.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
-
- Redwood snag across the trail.
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- Redwood snag after clearing.
-
VWA_Ranger - Posts: 35
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by bheav on Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:04 am
Date Hiked: January 23, 2021
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
We did the whole Salmon Creek loop going clockwise. The trail was very well maintained until slightly after buckeye camp. The trail was pretty overgrown but definitely passable. We hiked all the way to lions den in the first day. Make sure if you plan on staying up there to stock up on water either at silver camp or estrella on the salmon creek side. There is no water past a certain point. After we spent the night at lions den made our way down the salmon creek trail which has tons of water after about 2 miles down. Overall the trail was in good shape and we had a great time!
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
We did the whole Salmon Creek loop going clockwise. The trail was very well maintained until slightly after buckeye camp. The trail was pretty overgrown but definitely passable. We hiked all the way to lions den in the first day. Make sure if you plan on staying up there to stock up on water either at silver camp or estrella on the salmon creek side. There is no water past a certain point. After we spent the night at lions den made our way down the salmon creek trail which has tons of water after about 2 miles down. Overall the trail was in good shape and we had a great time!
- bheav
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:46 am
Date Hiked: December 30, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers cleared the lower section of trail from Hwy 1 to the bottom of the switchbacks heading up the hill. This section of trail is now wide open.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers cleared the lower section of trail from Hwy 1 to the bottom of the switchbacks heading up the hill. This section of trail is now wide open.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
-
- Starting up the Switchbacks.
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- Across the lower flat.
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- The Trailhead.
-
VWA_Ranger - Posts: 35
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Fri Dec 11, 2020 10:41 am
Date Hiked: December 10, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to Silver Camp and beyond. Lower Cruickshank, Upper Cruickshank and Silver Camp were all clean and had a trickle of water at each camp. The trail is considered clear with encroaching brush in spots. The slide that starts at Silver Creek is still there. The tread is narrow all the way to the rocky outcropping. Step carefully when using this section of trail.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchback to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
Upper Cruickshank Camp to Silver Creek - Clear with some encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to Silver Camp and beyond. Lower Cruickshank, Upper Cruickshank and Silver Camp were all clean and had a trickle of water at each camp. The trail is considered clear with encroaching brush in spots. The slide that starts at Silver Creek is still there. The tread is narrow all the way to the rocky outcropping. Step carefully when using this section of trail.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to Top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchback to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
Upper Cruickshank Camp to Silver Creek - Clear with some encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
-
- Lower Cruickshank Camp
-
- Silver Camp
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- Slide at Silver Creek
-
- Slide near Silver Creek
-
VWA_Ranger - Posts: 35
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Fri Dec 04, 2020 9:02 am
Date Hiked: December 3, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers and Ranger Trainees patrolled from Highway 1 to Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleaned Lower and Upper Cruickshank Camp. They made sure there were no smoldering or recent fires at each camp. Water is still trickling at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers and Ranger Trainees patrolled from Highway 1 to Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleaned Lower and Upper Cruickshank Camp. They made sure there were no smoldering or recent fires at each camp. Water is still trickling at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
-
VWA_Ranger - Posts: 35
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Wed Nov 18, 2020 9:44 am
Date Hiked: November 15, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers and Ranger Trainees patrolled from Highway 1 to Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleaned Lower and Upper Cruickshank Camp. They made sure there were no smoldering or recent fires at each camp. Water is still trickling at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to to top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers and Ranger Trainees patrolled from Highway 1 to Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleaned Lower and Upper Cruickshank Camp. They made sure there were no smoldering or recent fires at each camp. Water is still trickling at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to to top of Switchbacks. - Clear with no obstacles
Top of Switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
-
VWA_Ranger - Posts: 35
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by VWA_Ranger on Fri Oct 30, 2020 4:03 pm
Date Hiked: October 26, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleaned Lower and Upper Cruickshank Camps. Made sure there were no smoldering or recent fires at each camp. They removed a large oak that had fallen across the trail about a mile in and another small tree just before Upper Cruickshank Camp. Water is still trickling at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks - Clear with no obstacles
Switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
*** VWA/USFS Volunteer Ranger/Trail Crew Report ***
Forest/Trail Status: CLOSED, Los Padres Monterey Ranger District is closed per Forest Order 05-07-51-20-22
Current Fire Restrictions: No Campfires, No Stoves in backcountry. Cold Camping Only.
Description:
With the Monterey Ranger District Forest still closed, VWA/USFS Volunteer Rangers continue to prepare for its reopening. Today volunteer Rangers patrolled from Highway 1 to Upper Cruickshank Camp. They cleaned Lower and Upper Cruickshank Camps. Made sure there were no smoldering or recent fires at each camp. They removed a large oak that had fallen across the trail about a mile in and another small tree just before Upper Cruickshank Camp. Water is still trickling at both camps.
Trail conditions are as follows:
Highway 1 to top of Switchbacks - Clear with no obstacles
Switchbacks to Upper Cruickshank Camp - Clear with encroaching brush.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: This report is for informational purposes only. Trail conditions may change at any time. The Ventana Wilderness Alliance assumes no liability for the use of this information.
The Los Padres National Forest Website can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf/
To learn more about the Volunteer VWA/USFS Ranger and Trail Crew Programs visit https://www.ventanawild.org/stewardship.
- Attachments
-
- Tree across trail
-
- Tree across trail
-
- Restored trail 1.25 miles in.
-
VWA_Ranger - Posts: 35
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:41 pm
Re: Cruikshank Trail
by gregwin99 on Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:04 pm
Date Hiked: June 22, 2020
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Section: Hiked from Lion Den Camp down to Villa Creek, to Buckeye Camp
Trail from Lion Den Camp to Villa Creek had a couple of treacherous parts due to landslides. Passable with some caution.
Clear Trail otherwise. Did not hit a water source until about a mile or 1.5 miles out. Ended up spending the day at the amazing pools by villa creek campground. Water was clear and cool!
Then went from Villa Creek to Buckeye Camp. Passed small water sources on the way. Spring at Buckeye camp was flowing. We hiked a bit farther past buckeye camp to a scenic campsite overlooking the ocean.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Section: Hiked from Lion Den Camp down to Villa Creek, to Buckeye Camp
Trail from Lion Den Camp to Villa Creek had a couple of treacherous parts due to landslides. Passable with some caution.
Clear Trail otherwise. Did not hit a water source until about a mile or 1.5 miles out. Ended up spending the day at the amazing pools by villa creek campground. Water was clear and cool!
Then went from Villa Creek to Buckeye Camp. Passed small water sources on the way. Spring at Buckeye camp was flowing. We hiked a bit farther past buckeye camp to a scenic campsite overlooking the ocean.
- gregwin99
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