Date Hiked: July 5, 2019
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Hiked up to Vicente Flat on the morning of the 5th and back down on the late afternoon of the 6th after camping over night and running some hikes above camp. Trail is heavily used but due to the wet year, there is poison oak and other encroaching brush. Surprisingly low ticks but flies and mosquitoes are definitely there so cover up or spray. Some trail washouts too but generally very impressed by the condition of the trail given the winter we had. Still reliable water at stream just above Espinosa Camp and creek bed at Vicente Flat Camp.
Ventana Wilderness is now on fire restrictions though and in addition to putting out a smoldering fire left unattended on the afternoon of the 6th - we counted well over a dozen illegal fires at Vincente Flat Camp on the night of the 5th. Really scary and hope people will follow the restrictions in the future as it would be a shame to see this beautiful place go up in flames again. Echoing other reports - numerous TP and trash issues as well as food left improperly stored for rodents and birds. We hiked out an extra 5 gallon bag of trash and there was still more. So bring an extra trash bag and let's all do our part of keep this place beautiful and wild.
Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
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wbatl1
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: May 26, 2019
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
We had an excellent hike on Kirk Creek trail to Vicente Flat over Memorial Day weekend.
Unsurprisingly, the trail was crowded but was in good shape.
There was a large amount of poison oak and some light intrusion on the trail from recent brush growth, but the trail is very clear.
Many campers at Vicente Flat were not practicing Leave No Trace, especially around campfires and food management. Sadly, though, that's not uncommon at the camp.
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
We had an excellent hike on Kirk Creek trail to Vicente Flat over Memorial Day weekend.
Unsurprisingly, the trail was crowded but was in good shape.
There was a large amount of poison oak and some light intrusion on the trail from recent brush growth, but the trail is very clear.
Many campers at Vicente Flat were not practicing Leave No Trace, especially around campfires and food management. Sadly, though, that's not uncommon at the camp.
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Carl Mounteer
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:51 am
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: May 4, 2019
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
I hiked this trail on May 1 inbound to Vicente Flat and outbound on May 4th. Brush is encroaching but not badly. There were no ticks and enormous amounts of poison oak. There is one part of the trail that has dangerously deteriorated about halfway into Hare Canyon. About 2 feet of the trail's length and half its width has slumped into the canyon and this is by a very steep cliff that would put you about 100 feet below the trail.
Despite this danger I encountered a mountain biker on this trail on my way in. [Ed. note- Mountain bikes are not permitted on Wilderness trails.] On my way out I found a new backpack and huge brand new sombrero that someone had abandoned at the side of the trail. Later, near the last mile of the trail I found a new looking Levi jacket and blue shirt under two rocks at the side of the trail.
Outbound on May 4th, a Saturday, I counted 60 people passing me on this trail inbound.
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
I hiked this trail on May 1 inbound to Vicente Flat and outbound on May 4th. Brush is encroaching but not badly. There were no ticks and enormous amounts of poison oak. There is one part of the trail that has dangerously deteriorated about halfway into Hare Canyon. About 2 feet of the trail's length and half its width has slumped into the canyon and this is by a very steep cliff that would put you about 100 feet below the trail.
Despite this danger I encountered a mountain biker on this trail on my way in. [Ed. note- Mountain bikes are not permitted on Wilderness trails.] On my way out I found a new backpack and huge brand new sombrero that someone had abandoned at the side of the trail. Later, near the last mile of the trail I found a new looking Levi jacket and blue shirt under two rocks at the side of the trail.
Outbound on May 4th, a Saturday, I counted 60 people passing me on this trail inbound.
Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: December 22, 2018
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
General Comment: I was amazed to see this trail in such good shape, virtually zero brush encroachment, only a couple of deadfalls and very little erosion/slumping/sliding.
Section: Highway 1 to the turn into Hare Canyon: Wilderness Freeway
Section: Turn into Hare Canyon to Vicente Flat Camp: Wilderness Freeway but a couple of deadfalls. There are 2 trees down next to each other right at Espinosa Camp (~18" and ~10"), easy to step over and there were one or two more after that.
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
General Comment: I was amazed to see this trail in such good shape, virtually zero brush encroachment, only a couple of deadfalls and very little erosion/slumping/sliding.
Section: Highway 1 to the turn into Hare Canyon: Wilderness Freeway
Section: Turn into Hare Canyon to Vicente Flat Camp: Wilderness Freeway but a couple of deadfalls. There are 2 trees down next to each other right at Espinosa Camp (~18" and ~10"), easy to step over and there were one or two more after that.
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MN86
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: August 12, 2018
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
Backpacked to Vicente Flat and summited Cone Peak on Sunday, 8/12. Kirk Creek Trail is in good shape overall: mostly clear with well-defined tread and easy to follow. Then there's the poison oak. It's mostly low on the side of the trail, but there are times it creeps onto the path between ankle and thigh height, and there were a few vines hanging around at chest height or higher. At some points, it took some very careful high-stepping to avoid contact as it crawled onto both sides of the path.
I had debated taking my dog on the trip and decided NO because of the potential for POak, and after visiting this was the right choice. There is no way he would have been able to avoid a lot of it, and it would have been exhausting lifting and carrying him pretty frequently with my pack on.
Overall, still one of my favorite hikes in Big Sur and stunning in so many ways, from the views to the wildlife to the tranquility.
General Condition: Passable (some brush and/or deadfalls, tread evident)
Backpacked to Vicente Flat and summited Cone Peak on Sunday, 8/12. Kirk Creek Trail is in good shape overall: mostly clear with well-defined tread and easy to follow. Then there's the poison oak. It's mostly low on the side of the trail, but there are times it creeps onto the path between ankle and thigh height, and there were a few vines hanging around at chest height or higher. At some points, it took some very careful high-stepping to avoid contact as it crawled onto both sides of the path.
I had debated taking my dog on the trip and decided NO because of the potential for POak, and after visiting this was the right choice. There is no way he would have been able to avoid a lot of it, and it would have been exhausting lifting and carrying him pretty frequently with my pack on.
Overall, still one of my favorite hikes in Big Sur and stunning in so many ways, from the views to the wildlife to the tranquility.
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: July 15, 2018
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Hiked up to Vicente Flat from Highway 1 on Friday and hiked out on Sunday. This is a very scenic trail with a mix of ocean views, redwood canyons, condors (I think), and views of Cone Peak.The tread is in very good shape and there is nothing obstructing the trail that you have to duck or crawl under or climb over. I would consider it a Wilderness Freeway if it weren't for mostly knee-high poison oak that is mostly avoidable if you walk carefully. Long stretches, however, are free of poison oak. We clipped any vines that were head or shoulder level.
Espinosa camp looked nice, large, and scenic, but, from what I recall, the nearby stream was dry. Vicente Camp is large and shaded with many sites. However, it seems like a lot of people don't understand the fire restrictions. We gave a few campers that had campfires friendly reminders and some complied.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
Hiked up to Vicente Flat from Highway 1 on Friday and hiked out on Sunday. This is a very scenic trail with a mix of ocean views, redwood canyons, condors (I think), and views of Cone Peak.The tread is in very good shape and there is nothing obstructing the trail that you have to duck or crawl under or climb over. I would consider it a Wilderness Freeway if it weren't for mostly knee-high poison oak that is mostly avoidable if you walk carefully. Long stretches, however, are free of poison oak. We clipped any vines that were head or shoulder level.
Espinosa camp looked nice, large, and scenic, but, from what I recall, the nearby stream was dry. Vicente Camp is large and shaded with many sites. However, it seems like a lot of people don't understand the fire restrictions. We gave a few campers that had campfires friendly reminders and some complied.
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: April 22, 2018
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
The entire trail was in excellent condition. On previous trips in winter 2016 and Fall 2017, this trail was noticeably more pleasant to hike on than Stone Ridge or Vicente Flat. This time the difference was less noticeable, which says a lot about the great condition of the Cone Peak trail system in general at present. Hare Creek was going strongly where the trail crossed it. The creek has excavated beneath the large redwood log crossing and now flows under it, as opposed to overtopping it a few years ago. The tread was wide, even, and stable throughout. Water was flowing well across the trail east of Espinosa camp. Some poison oak was unavoidable below knee height, and an occasional tendril of this infernal plant reached across the trail at about face level. Otherwise, this trail would count as a wilderness freeway. Trailside brush has been thoroughly cleared for about a mile or so above Highway 1.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
The entire trail was in excellent condition. On previous trips in winter 2016 and Fall 2017, this trail was noticeably more pleasant to hike on than Stone Ridge or Vicente Flat. This time the difference was less noticeable, which says a lot about the great condition of the Cone Peak trail system in general at present. Hare Creek was going strongly where the trail crossed it. The creek has excavated beneath the large redwood log crossing and now flows under it, as opposed to overtopping it a few years ago. The tread was wide, even, and stable throughout. Water was flowing well across the trail east of Espinosa camp. Some poison oak was unavoidable below knee height, and an occasional tendril of this infernal plant reached across the trail at about face level. Otherwise, this trail would count as a wilderness freeway. Trailside brush has been thoroughly cleared for about a mile or so above Highway 1.
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claytron9000
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: April 14, 2018
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Hi there. Being from San Francisco, we were looking for a weekend getaway drive-able from SF.
We used this ventanawild.org site to find some backpacking recommendations and could not be more thankful. We ended up choosing the Vicente Flat Trail (aka Kirk Creek Trail).
First, we stopped at Big Sur station to get our stove permit and confirmed we could park at the trailhead. Then, we parked our car on the east side of Highway 1 directly across from Kirk Creek Campground, where there were a lot of other cars doing the same. We hiked the 5 miles to the Vicente Flat Camp and stayed overnight. The campsite is situated in a gorgeous redwood grove and the creek is flowing... the water was clear and we couldn't get over the adorableness of the campsite. Don't forget your water filter. The wildflowers were incredible this time of year... lots of blue iris and California poppies. Two other groups of backpackers told us about rattlesnake sightings, but we didn't see any ourselves.
Overall, we highly recommend this hike for backpackers, especially since the northern half of Big Sur is essentially inaccessible from Highway 1 due to the 2016 Soberanes fire.
Happy hiking / backpacking, folks!
General Condition: Wilderness Freeway (Heavily used and well maintained)
Hi there. Being from San Francisco, we were looking for a weekend getaway drive-able from SF.
We used this ventanawild.org site to find some backpacking recommendations and could not be more thankful. We ended up choosing the Vicente Flat Trail (aka Kirk Creek Trail).
First, we stopped at Big Sur station to get our stove permit and confirmed we could park at the trailhead. Then, we parked our car on the east side of Highway 1 directly across from Kirk Creek Campground, where there were a lot of other cars doing the same. We hiked the 5 miles to the Vicente Flat Camp and stayed overnight. The campsite is situated in a gorgeous redwood grove and the creek is flowing... the water was clear and we couldn't get over the adorableness of the campsite. Don't forget your water filter. The wildflowers were incredible this time of year... lots of blue iris and California poppies. Two other groups of backpackers told us about rattlesnake sightings, but we didn't see any ourselves.
Overall, we highly recommend this hike for backpackers, especially since the northern half of Big Sur is essentially inaccessible from Highway 1 due to the 2016 Soberanes fire.
Happy hiking / backpacking, folks!
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wombat_attack
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: November 13, 2017
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
First mile of trail from the highway has recently had brush free zone widened. Big thanks to whoever did that! Some poison oak on the trail sides intermittently the whole length. I was able to avoid it fine, never had to do any major acrobatics to get around it. The creek about 1/4 mi after espinoza camp does still have a good flow of water; first water you'll hit going up. Vincente flat did not have water in the creek at the immediate crossing, but you start to find lots of water in the creek after about 1/3 mile past it when you travel up the canyon more.
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
First mile of trail from the highway has recently had brush free zone widened. Big thanks to whoever did that! Some poison oak on the trail sides intermittently the whole length. I was able to avoid it fine, never had to do any major acrobatics to get around it. The creek about 1/4 mi after espinoza camp does still have a good flow of water; first water you'll hit going up. Vincente flat did not have water in the creek at the immediate crossing, but you start to find lots of water in the creek after about 1/3 mile past it when you travel up the canyon more.
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Guest
Re: Kirk Creek Trail (Highway One to Vicente Flat Camp)
Date Hiked: August 5, 2017
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
The trail is slightly eroded and overgrown for the first half-mile to a mile near highway 1, otherwise in great condition. There is water flowing across the trail just past Espinosa Camp, and plenty of water at Vicente Flat. Lots of poison oak everywhere, so pants are a good idea. We saw a handful of others on the way in, probably half were day hikers. We camped at Vicente Flat on a Saturday night with two other groups. Both left early Sunday, so we had the place to ourselves in the morning, and saw no other hikers on the way out. Great time to do this trip!
General Condition: Clear (no obstacles and tread well defined)
The trail is slightly eroded and overgrown for the first half-mile to a mile near highway 1, otherwise in great condition. There is water flowing across the trail just past Espinosa Camp, and plenty of water at Vicente Flat. Lots of poison oak everywhere, so pants are a good idea. We saw a handful of others on the way in, probably half were day hikers. We camped at Vicente Flat on a Saturday night with two other groups. Both left early Sunday, so we had the place to ourselves in the morning, and saw no other hikers on the way out. Great time to do this trip!