Date Hiked: January 25, 2026
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and/or well maintained)
This report covers the section of trail between Highway 1 and Buckeye Camp.
The two brushy sections that passpartout noted have been clipped. The passage is still "narrow", but much improved.
Several people have noted that the large deadfall just before Soda Spring Creek is now completely clear. But the small 'step-over' deadfalls noted by passpartout have also been cleared.
The two minor trail washouts that Doug Major noted still remain, but otherwise the trail is in very good condition.
FYI - I did notice a lot of ticks between the first saddle and the junction with Soda Spring Trail, so beware. (I met a hiker a few weeks ago who said he brushed 40 ticks off his pants through that section!)
Plenty of PO just starting to leaf out (at the sides of the trai). What are the rules about clipping, trimming, loping, grading? Do you need to have completed a trail maintenance course? Do you need to notify the LPFS? Or can anyone with a pair of clippers pitch in and help?
Cheers,
Buckeye Trail
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: January 17, 2026
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Last weekend after three successful trips, the Ventana Wilderness Alliance with the help of VWA Volunteer Rangers, VWA Volunteer Trail Crew members and others were able to clear the large oak just past Soda Spring Creek. We thank them for all their hard work.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Last weekend after three successful trips, the Ventana Wilderness Alliance with the help of VWA Volunteer Rangers, VWA Volunteer Trail Crew members and others were able to clear the large oak just past Soda Spring Creek. We thank them for all their hard work.
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Doug Major
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: January 10, 2026
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and/or well maintained)
Secret Santa of Silver Peak!
Following up on the report of a large downed tree, I sawed up the Soda trail to make an attempt.
Much to my surprise, some Good Samaritians had already cleared the path! (as just noted) It is wonderful to have such attentive cohabitators who help make things better for everyone who enjoys Big Sur.
With extra time, I put down my saws and clipped all the way up to Buckeye Camp/Redwood Golch river crossing. An amazing day, fantastic views all the way down to the Light House. I noted that 10 drainages were flowing, and as always, the Spring at Buckeye was gushing.
Some notes on the tread. At the fourth drainage, the water dammed at the trail crossing and proceeded to do some inroading down about 50 feet of the descending trail. Also, just before the rock Monolith, at this exposed grassy area's drainage, the water rerouted down the trail, causing some incutting and sliding that will block the trail if not fixed. Sorry, no shovel. A quick redirect might solve future problems. Still very passable, with the clipping, ALMOST short-pants ready. Working mostly on the poison oak removal.
I saw no one at the deserted camp, but then passed a few day hikers and one overnight packer, whom I redirected to Silver Camp, not Silver Peak, without any water. With all the water, Mossy Falls was amazing, as well as Salmon Creek and lower Soda Creek.
I do believe in Santa!
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and/or well maintained)
Secret Santa of Silver Peak!
Following up on the report of a large downed tree, I sawed up the Soda trail to make an attempt.
Much to my surprise, some Good Samaritians had already cleared the path! (as just noted) It is wonderful to have such attentive cohabitators who help make things better for everyone who enjoys Big Sur.
With extra time, I put down my saws and clipped all the way up to Buckeye Camp/Redwood Golch river crossing. An amazing day, fantastic views all the way down to the Light House. I noted that 10 drainages were flowing, and as always, the Spring at Buckeye was gushing.
Some notes on the tread. At the fourth drainage, the water dammed at the trail crossing and proceeded to do some inroading down about 50 feet of the descending trail. Also, just before the rock Monolith, at this exposed grassy area's drainage, the water rerouted down the trail, causing some incutting and sliding that will block the trail if not fixed. Sorry, no shovel. A quick redirect might solve future problems. Still very passable, with the clipping, ALMOST short-pants ready. Working mostly on the poison oak removal.
I saw no one at the deserted camp, but then passed a few day hikers and one overnight packer, whom I redirected to Silver Camp, not Silver Peak, without any water. With all the water, Mossy Falls was amazing, as well as Salmon Creek and lower Soda Creek.
I do believe in Santa!
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: January 9, 2026
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
To the previous poster, thanks for the report.
I want to pass along that two VWA Volunteers cleared the worst sections of the fallen trees, you can pass through with no difficulty. The portions of the trees across the trail still exist, but you can now walk under with a full pack.
Happy Hiking.
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
To the previous poster, thanks for the report.
I want to pass along that two VWA Volunteers cleared the worst sections of the fallen trees, you can pass through with no difficulty. The portions of the trees across the trail still exist, but you can now walk under with a full pack.
Happy Hiking.
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- Tree Opened up allowing one to pass.
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passpartout
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: December 28, 2025
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
There are two brushy areas about 1/2 mile from the trailhead with some poison oak mixed-in with the brush, but the tread is well defined and it is pretty easy to push through and avoid the PO.
The 1/2 mile just north of the junction with Soda Spring Trail has a couple of deadfalls that are easy to step over. But there is a large deadfall at about 1/2 mile that forced me to turn around. Looks like at least one person has tried to pass downhill and maybe a couple more have tried to push/break through (don't know if any were successfull).
It looks like many people have scramble around the uphill side. The uphill slope is 30-45 degrees and the user-made path has ripped out a swath vegetation, leaving a slippery, muddy mess with unstable soil. If I was 30 years younger I might have tried it. Or if I had a good pair of gloves or poles. As it was, I decided to call it a day. A little dissapointed because I had hoped to survey more of the trail.
"Passable" because people have been getting through, but "Difficult" because of the lack of tread and loose soil.
Cheers,
[ED: thank you for the excellent report. Would you happen to have photos of the large deadfall? Or would you have an estimate of the diameter of the tree where cuts are required?]
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
There are two brushy areas about 1/2 mile from the trailhead with some poison oak mixed-in with the brush, but the tread is well defined and it is pretty easy to push through and avoid the PO.
The 1/2 mile just north of the junction with Soda Spring Trail has a couple of deadfalls that are easy to step over. But there is a large deadfall at about 1/2 mile that forced me to turn around. Looks like at least one person has tried to pass downhill and maybe a couple more have tried to push/break through (don't know if any were successfull).
It looks like many people have scramble around the uphill side. The uphill slope is 30-45 degrees and the user-made path has ripped out a swath vegetation, leaving a slippery, muddy mess with unstable soil. If I was 30 years younger I might have tried it. Or if I had a good pair of gloves or poles. As it was, I decided to call it a day. A little dissapointed because I had hoped to survey more of the trail.
"Passable" because people have been getting through, but "Difficult" because of the lack of tread and loose soil.
Cheers,
[ED: thank you for the excellent report. Would you happen to have photos of the large deadfall? Or would you have an estimate of the diameter of the tree where cuts are required?]
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Doug Major
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: December 6, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
After coming from the north a few weeks ago and understanding the historical value of this trail in supplying the Los Burros Mining district, I did some mild clipping north through Soda Creek to the first Silver Peak use trail.
Soda Creek has some extensive work done on the first 2/3 of the trail, and then it's back to the brushed path. I worked on this area for about an hour, making some improvements, but for 400 feet, it is long pants with some bush encroachment.
The main trail is in good shape, with a reasonable incline and mostly secure tread. I was able to do some encroachment clean-up, mainly new growth/suckers from past looping. The Mossy Falls at the first drainage were dripping. The next drainage rock waterfall was dry, but the main channel for Soda Creek around the next curve in the trail was flowing under the trail, as was the nearby Pompus Grass water creek, so there was available water on the trail. All these creeks are amazing when flowing after some sustained rains. This day was fantastic for the views, the King Tides, and the morning moon over the Pacific.
There were 16+ other hikers and some campers also enjoying the day and this "short pants" Beckeye trail.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
After coming from the north a few weeks ago and understanding the historical value of this trail in supplying the Los Burros Mining district, I did some mild clipping north through Soda Creek to the first Silver Peak use trail.
Soda Creek has some extensive work done on the first 2/3 of the trail, and then it's back to the brushed path. I worked on this area for about an hour, making some improvements, but for 400 feet, it is long pants with some bush encroachment.
The main trail is in good shape, with a reasonable incline and mostly secure tread. I was able to do some encroachment clean-up, mainly new growth/suckers from past looping. The Mossy Falls at the first drainage were dripping. The next drainage rock waterfall was dry, but the main channel for Soda Creek around the next curve in the trail was flowing under the trail, as was the nearby Pompus Grass water creek, so there was available water on the trail. All these creeks are amazing when flowing after some sustained rains. This day was fantastic for the views, the King Tides, and the morning moon over the Pacific.
There were 16+ other hikers and some campers also enjoying the day and this "short pants" Beckeye trail.
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dw_young
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: October 1, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Did the sections from Buckeye / Salmon Creek trailhead to Cruickshank Camp. Took us just over three hours plus stops.
The trail was all good, with perhaps the occasional fallen tree and short detour around it.
Buckeye Camp looked good but we didn't stop. The pipe from the spring, once we found it, had a good flow but no other stream crossings on the trail had water.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Did the sections from Buckeye / Salmon Creek trailhead to Cruickshank Camp. Took us just over three hours plus stops.
The trail was all good, with perhaps the occasional fallen tree and short detour around it.
Buckeye Camp looked good but we didn't stop. The pipe from the spring, once we found it, had a good flow but no other stream crossings on the trail had water.
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Doug Major
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: October 4, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
This is a report on the north end of Buckeye, from Adler Campground to Villa Creek Camp.
The Los Burros Road, which leaves HWY 1 at Tree Bone's Resort and proceeds up the steep grade that intersects in 7 miles at the Coastal Ridge Road, as well as to the camping site on St Martin Top. At that intersection, the old mine road also descends to Adler Campsite and the river. Please note that while Los Burros is in good shape, it is not recommended to attempt it during a rainstorm. All Wheel Drive is recommended on that road, and a true Four Wheel Drive is needed on the Adler Mine road. Please respect the property owners who do most of the road maintenance. You need to do some careful rut navigating as you descend to the river, passing the site of the old mining town called Manchester. The small town of Manchester with a record population of 350 people. A hotel, two general stores, a barber shop, a restaurant, a post office, a blacksmith shop, a one-room school, mess halls, bunkhouses, several cabins, a small cemetery, and of course, a dance hall and several saloons made in the town.
Today the town of Manchester is truly a ghost of the past-often referred to as 'The Lost City of the Santa Lucias'.
Adler Camp Ground appears to be in good shape, with three tables and nice shaded areas. The river is dry here. The big blowdown's branches have been cleared, and I am surprised that it is not used more. The trail exits Campsite #1 with a large, shot-up Buckeye trail sign displaying a mileage of 3 miles to Villa Creek Camp. I solo clipped about 5 hours as I made my way down the on North side of the drainage, and soon the pools and flow of the Adler Creek were evident. I did some major brush clearing in just 6-7 locations, removing most of the possible ingrowth and concentrating on clipping Poison Oak. In half a mile, the trail crosses the river at a very well-cannopied area with a lot of Adler and Sycamore trees, and soon you discover a well-placed, large Silver Peak Wilderness Sign. As you work up the southern side of the river, you cross one active riverette. There were also two flowing springs in the Villa Creek Drainage, providing numerous opportunities for water along this part of Buckeye.
As you leave the tree cover, you get your first view of the ocean as well as many larger redwood trees further down the drainage on the north-facing slope. This is just above the Adler Creek Cinnimon Waterfalls (hoping to get access to see them with better water flow). The tread is evident, with a very well-constructed mild incline, and the path goes in and out of shaded cover. You soon arrive at a larger area of tree cover for about a quarter mile, well cushioned with years of leaves, and the trail is easy to follow even without ribbons. As you exit, you encounter a fantastic view of both the Adler and Villa creek drainages. As that trail rounds the saddle, you head more due east. This slope is more cleared of trees, so the view of the large trees below and across to the Cruckshank trail side is fantastic. The slope here is more extreme, with a narrow tread and more sun exposure. Fortunately, you transition from one tree-lined gully to another, which breaks up the heat. Notably, there were minimal bugs or ticks at this time of year. The two blowdowns on this part are easily navigated, and you quickly drop down into the redwoods. Villa camp is a magical place with an old table and some nice pools, as well as some notable trees. The self-made medal sign still marks the camp, and the temperature is immediately cooler under these tall trees.
I clipped and cleaned the trail back to the camp's trailhead. I rate this part as clear because of the narrow tread in places, but it is very passable with the poison oak, which is now avoidable. Notably, I saw no one, not a single car or camper, from San Simon at 7 AM that morning until later that afternoon, when five vehicles passed me coming down Los Burros Road. I also found no camper on St Martin Top car camps. This is truly a place for those who want solitude. Dinner is available at Tree Bones, or you can grab a sandwich at Gorda after your adventure.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
This is a report on the north end of Buckeye, from Adler Campground to Villa Creek Camp.
The Los Burros Road, which leaves HWY 1 at Tree Bone's Resort and proceeds up the steep grade that intersects in 7 miles at the Coastal Ridge Road, as well as to the camping site on St Martin Top. At that intersection, the old mine road also descends to Adler Campsite and the river. Please note that while Los Burros is in good shape, it is not recommended to attempt it during a rainstorm. All Wheel Drive is recommended on that road, and a true Four Wheel Drive is needed on the Adler Mine road. Please respect the property owners who do most of the road maintenance. You need to do some careful rut navigating as you descend to the river, passing the site of the old mining town called Manchester. The small town of Manchester with a record population of 350 people. A hotel, two general stores, a barber shop, a restaurant, a post office, a blacksmith shop, a one-room school, mess halls, bunkhouses, several cabins, a small cemetery, and of course, a dance hall and several saloons made in the town.
Today the town of Manchester is truly a ghost of the past-often referred to as 'The Lost City of the Santa Lucias'.
Adler Camp Ground appears to be in good shape, with three tables and nice shaded areas. The river is dry here. The big blowdown's branches have been cleared, and I am surprised that it is not used more. The trail exits Campsite #1 with a large, shot-up Buckeye trail sign displaying a mileage of 3 miles to Villa Creek Camp. I solo clipped about 5 hours as I made my way down the on North side of the drainage, and soon the pools and flow of the Adler Creek were evident. I did some major brush clearing in just 6-7 locations, removing most of the possible ingrowth and concentrating on clipping Poison Oak. In half a mile, the trail crosses the river at a very well-cannopied area with a lot of Adler and Sycamore trees, and soon you discover a well-placed, large Silver Peak Wilderness Sign. As you work up the southern side of the river, you cross one active riverette. There were also two flowing springs in the Villa Creek Drainage, providing numerous opportunities for water along this part of Buckeye.
As you leave the tree cover, you get your first view of the ocean as well as many larger redwood trees further down the drainage on the north-facing slope. This is just above the Adler Creek Cinnimon Waterfalls (hoping to get access to see them with better water flow). The tread is evident, with a very well-constructed mild incline, and the path goes in and out of shaded cover. You soon arrive at a larger area of tree cover for about a quarter mile, well cushioned with years of leaves, and the trail is easy to follow even without ribbons. As you exit, you encounter a fantastic view of both the Adler and Villa creek drainages. As that trail rounds the saddle, you head more due east. This slope is more cleared of trees, so the view of the large trees below and across to the Cruckshank trail side is fantastic. The slope here is more extreme, with a narrow tread and more sun exposure. Fortunately, you transition from one tree-lined gully to another, which breaks up the heat. Notably, there were minimal bugs or ticks at this time of year. The two blowdowns on this part are easily navigated, and you quickly drop down into the redwoods. Villa camp is a magical place with an old table and some nice pools, as well as some notable trees. The self-made medal sign still marks the camp, and the temperature is immediately cooler under these tall trees.
I clipped and cleaned the trail back to the camp's trailhead. I rate this part as clear because of the narrow tread in places, but it is very passable with the poison oak, which is now avoidable. Notably, I saw no one, not a single car or camper, from San Simon at 7 AM that morning until later that afternoon, when five vehicles passed me coming down Los Burros Road. I also found no camper on St Martin Top car camps. This is truly a place for those who want solitude. Dinner is available at Tree Bones, or you can grab a sandwich at Gorda after your adventure.
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dmountjoy
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: May 15, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Trail to Buckeye Camp from Soda Springs trail is in good condition but vegetation (blackberries, ceanothus, poison oak, grasses) is growing quickly. We met a USFS trail worker about .25 miles up from Soda Springs Trail junction who was clearing vegetation back about 3 feet on each side of the trail. Soda Springs Trail is barely passable without rubbing against poison oak. Total width between walls of thick vegetation is only about 2 feet. We did some hacking of encroaching blackberries and poison oak tendrils. Lots of wildflowers at their peak still and water flowing in one of the drainages and at Buckeye Camp spring.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Trail to Buckeye Camp from Soda Springs trail is in good condition but vegetation (blackberries, ceanothus, poison oak, grasses) is growing quickly. We met a USFS trail worker about .25 miles up from Soda Springs Trail junction who was clearing vegetation back about 3 feet on each side of the trail. Soda Springs Trail is barely passable without rubbing against poison oak. Total width between walls of thick vegetation is only about 2 feet. We did some hacking of encroaching blackberries and poison oak tendrils. Lots of wildflowers at their peak still and water flowing in one of the drainages and at Buckeye Camp spring.
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Guest
Re: Buckeye Trail
Date Hiked: April 30, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Hiked section between Cruikshank and top of ridge. LOTS of poison oak.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Hiked section between Cruikshank and top of ridge. LOTS of poison oak.
