Ventana Wilderness Forums

Date Hiked: June 6, 2026
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

Cone Peak Trail – Recent Brushing and Conditions

After hearing about the condition of the Gamboa Trail past Trail Spring, I arrived early, intending to work on that section. A twisted knee from an awkward snag jump changed my plans, so I switched to the more accessible Cone Peak Trail. As always, there is more ingrowth as the wilderness slowly reclaims the tread.

The first section remains relatively clear thanks to the CCC work from last year, though there is still plenty of lopper work to keep the corridor open as it narrows toward singletrack. Four downed logs currently require jump‑overs and will need saw work to fully remove. Rounding the grassy view area, many of the previously clipped root balls are vigorously rebounding into the trail. Things open up again as you climb to the fourth switchback on the south‑facing slope and reach the shoulder with your first views of the fire lookout on the summit.

This upper section is still in good shape as it passes through a cleared grassy area, now tall from the late rains but still an easy push‑through. Wildflowers are in full bloom, and interestingly, there were fewer insects than usual bothering hikers. I spent time at several brush‑regrowth choke points, reopening the tunnels and carefully removing any poison oak I found.

Emerging at the switchback viewpoint, you enter what I would call the most problematic stretch. I spent about an hour widening the path to the rock‑boulder drainage and encountered two rattlesnakes in the brush, a reminder of past sightings here and a note of caution for others. I also worked up the next two switchbacks, widening the tread and re‑establishing its original edges, thereby reducing push‑through.

The multiple switchbacks up toward the old telegraph post remain in good condition, with a strong wildflower display continuing. The weather was excellent and, as always, the views were stunning. Another party, Sea to Sky trail runners in short pants, reported some brushing toward Twin Peak; some push‑through in spots, but it is passable. A group of eleven from the Bay Area, spanning a range of ages, made it up from Kirk Creek Camp and reported the route as passable as well, though it was clearly a big effort for a single‑day trip.

Another day for the Gamboa.

Date Hiked: February 20, 2026
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

Doug, I was impressed to read your post about hiking to the peak in the snow!

The view of Cone and moreso Junipero Serra with substantial snow was rather impressive and a very rare beautiful scene indeed!

Date Hiked: February 22, 2026
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

SNOW CONE! (Peak Snow Day Reflections)

I’ve waited a few years to once again experience that remarkable day when snow covers the Cone. Leor’s images from years back come to mind — it’s amazing to be just three miles from the ocean and standing in snow. The day began crystal clear, warm enough for short sleeves until the final push to the top.

As always, I brought my loopers and did some trail work along the way. The weather had brought down about 18 snags, mostly along the first section of the trail where the CCC crew did such excellent work. Most could be cleared after a bit of unstacking, though a few needed clipping to get around or over. One double log requires a step‑over for now until it can be sawed and removed.

Beyond the brush and up past the third switchback to the shoulder, conditions looked good. From there, only light looping was needed as the trail entered snow elevation. It appeared well‑maintained overall, though there’s always one more branch to trim — slowing my ascent in the best kind of way.

At the next viewpoint switchback, more in‑growth had filled in the section to the boulder hop beside the small drainage. Snow covered the trail in depths from six to twelve inches, but with existing tracks and a slow melt, the climb remained safe and steady. I straightened the signpost at the Trail Springs intersection and continued upward.

Higher on the rock‑faced portions, footing grew trickier as the snow crusted in the cooler air. Even so, with poles and regular hiking shoes, I felt secure. The views from the top were stunning — looking north and east toward other snow‑dusted peaks.

As the “golden hour” light spread across the ridges, I intentionally packed up my clippers. Like many of you, I find it hard to pass that one last offending branch without trimming it, and I now need to move. Watching the sun drop behind clear ocean skies, distant clouds, and white snow was unforgettable. Another memory made on the CONE!

Darkness had fallen by the time I reached my bike and coasted the six miles down. I passed three strong young hikers on their descent and couldn’t help but think about how we might encourage more people to share in caring for these trails. Maybe it’s the old Scoutmaster in me, but there’s deep satisfaction in leaving the path a little better for those who follow.

Trail work isn’t really work — it’s empowerment. Perhaps we could start a thread or initiative to keep this and other trails, like Marble Peak, open and improving. My suggestion: place a few pairs of loaner loppers at each trailhead, along with a friendly note and instructions inviting hikers to help cut loose branches and clear small obstacles. Together, we can reclaim some Ventana trails, keeping them open and thriving.

Ed-jg: Leaving a large lopper was once done, on VDC Trail just beyond Puerto Suello Trail in large plastic bag to use on last stretch to peak, well away from any trailhead, was reported by zealous hiker to USFS and later removed.

Date Hiked: December 4, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

Cone Peak Trail with the connection to Cone Peak summit is very clear with sections of passable. You’re expecting a challenge when you take on Cone Peak :) but this trail is still very doable. Steep and on small ledges (wouldn’t recommend if scared of heights) for sections. Quite brushy in the last 1.5 miles to summit, but can tell folks work hard to keep this trail maintained!! There was no snow in early December 2025, and we actually got a beautifully sunny summit lunch!

Date Hiked: August 2, 2025
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)

CONE PEAK north slope trail and Ridge Route
This is a report on ascending the North Slope approach to Cone Peak as well as descending the Ridge Line/Old Telegraph Wire Service route.
Water is flowing at Trail Spring at the base of the North Slope ascent. The Sign at Trail Springs in the upper area of the camp points you to the right (south) on a gentle sloping trail surrounded by poison oak. After a few hundred feet, you turn to the left to ascend a large drainage area. As you proceed almost parallel to the dry creek, you will encounter your first obstacle: two smaller blowdowns on either side of a massive burned tree. Mostly, hikers have gone up the hill about 30 feet to bypass this section, then drop down and try to find the tread. You will need to navigate a few other sketchy areas until you enter the dry creek bed and turn right to a mild switchback, and you start your climb on the opposite bank.
As you traverse the slope, the tread is good until you encounter a large blowdown root. Making your way below this obstacle, you will soon locate the next switchback.
This next section is fairly clear as you move further up the canyon and towards the creek drainage again, where you again switch back. Proceeding to the next switchback is challenging; you will encounter two massive redwood blowdowns in parallel right at the place to switch back. Proceed up the steep slope and look for a ribbon that marks the entry back to the tread. As you make your way on this longest traverse, you will encounter a large 5-foot-high redwood with a very smooth and slick surface, 60 feet long, with no way under it. (I was hoping to install some handles to help) A friend might be needed to navigate this 60-foot slippery slide.
The tread now gets progressively better as you navigate the next two switchbacks, with past work evident with a massive tree section cut. The next switchback offers an ocean view and serves as the connecting point with the unmarked Stone Ridge Spine Path. One more switch back to go through some beautiful trees to enter the intersection with the main Cone Peak trail.

The Ridge Line/Old Telegraph Wire Service route [[/b]/u]was fantastic, well-worn, with some tricky parts but minimal brush intrusion. I sole clipped down the trail, but really, it is passable as far as brush intrusion. You leave the Cone Peak Fire Lookout and proceed down the ridge, keeping to the right around some cracks in the cliff face. Soon, you will find a sharp but passable route down a rock incline to your right. As you proceed down the rock ridge, you will note the excellent view and the tops of some very tall trees, including some Santa Lucia Firs. You will note the old telegraph wire in many places, preserving the history of the fire lookout.
Try to keep to the high ridge line and not drop down to your right into the trees; to the left is the cliff face. As you pass a scree field, you will be tempted to drop down (I did!), but navigating up again, I found the path. Where there is vegetation, the path is well marked; the problem lies in the rock inclines and when you cross an open scree field. After negotiating a few rock formations, you enter into a more leveled out area before you encounter the last ridge to climb.

There is an open area under the trees, and it might be tempting to try to make a shortcut to the North Coast Ridge Trail. After gathering speed, scree free-fall, I now would advise against it!

As you finish the last obstacle, you will find an open saddle where the trail drops down to the NCRT. The views on this trail are magnificent, and even though it's steep in places, it's a safe rock climb.

With the Gamboa almost impassable, it's the only reasonable route to Cone Peak from the north. Just be careful with a pack; it can get hot, so bring plenty of water.

Date Hiked: May 25, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

Wilderness super highway for half, then clear w/sections of passable. We left 2 of the pairs of Fiskars extendable pruning shears down at Vicente Flat, but brought 1 and a folding saw and opened up a few of the tree/bush tunnels, a little bit more. Just imagine if everyone hiked Big Sur while snip-snipping here and there... It's so easy, doesn't slow you down at all and just from 3 of us we more or less knocked down all the thistle and PO face grabbers on the lower 5.5 mi of Vicente Flat/Kirk Creek trail. Should be mandatory equipment hiking in Big Sur.

Date Hiked: May 2, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

Covers Cone Peak Trail from the ~ junction of Cone Peak Rd to Cone Peak. The Cal Conservation Crew has done a great job clearing and widening the trail until where they had done previous work and it narrows to a single track. Starting about 1.4 miles from the peak there are a series of Ceanothus tunnels (tick caves) with some poison oak to pass through. I met them at the intersection of Vicente Flat Trail where they were working on the 2 mile stretch down to Vicente Flat Camp. and thanked them for their efforts.

Date Hiked: April 21, 2025
General Condition: Difficult (brushy and/or many deadfalls, faint tread)

The stated condition only applies to the trail segment beyond Cone Peak.

Photos of the Cone Peak Trail on descent toward Trail Spring Camp..

Date Hiked: April 21, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

As noted in the preceding post, trail-crew work is currently in progress. As of April 20, the first 1/2 mile of trail, once heavily overgrown, has been cleared and is now wilderness freeway, from the trailhead to the saddle at the beginning of the traverse across the southwestern slope toward the peak.

From 1/2 mile to 2 miles, the trail is largely clear across the traverse, with minor encroaching brush, and tunnels in ceanothus approaching the end of the traverse. Mild to moderate manzanita encroachment in a few spots along the switchbacks beneath summit trail junction.

From 2 to 2 1/3 miles, beginning the descent toward Trail Spring Camp, the trail is crossed by a number of charred deadfalls up to 4-ft in diameter, narrow tread across barren slopes, and occasional thickets of poison oak encroaching on the trail. Passable to difficult.

Date Hiked: April 5, 2025
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)

Going up Cone Peak Road, I noted the hoof prints of many mules/horses had gone up the road since last week. Making it to the Cone Peak Trailhead, there was a virtual city of single tents and a large communal tent with supplies cached, but no occupants.

Later that evening, I found a 14-strong CAL Conservation Core group of young men and women with two leaders working on the Cone Peak trail. They had been there for over three days and reported only working up to the wilderness boundary, which suggests a considerable trail rehab. They reported coming back in a week to continue work for five days. With so much time, I suggested they do some work down to Trail Springs, as well as up the Gambo.

This portion is expected to become a wilderness freeway for the rest of this season and the non-burned future.