The hoist

[Zed]

There is no written easement to access the back country up long ridge. Please contact the parks before attempting any hiking on private roads.

[willlma]

Just here to say that, two years on, Barbara's post is still relevant and correct.

[Barbara]

The shutdown of the Los Padres Dam starting point leaves only the Long Ridge starting point option (unless you have access to the white-rock starting point). Proceed in your car up palo colorado road until you are blocked by a gate at the Hoist along Palo Colorado road. Park here then walk up the steep and rutted long ridge road, follow road uphill always staying on the most-traveled fork in the road. When nearing the summit of the road you will need to descend 30-ft or so steeply downhill to get to the single-track trail which takes off to the left as you are descending towards a house in the distance.
After reaching the single track-trail your trail-navigating challenges are behind you.

[mikesplain]

Approach from the Big Pines/Rattlesnake side is not an option until Cal-Am repairs the LP Dam road (hopefully this summer). See- http://www.ventanawild.org/forums/annou ... vents/1791

[Little n]

Thanks, would you recommend via Big Pines or Rattlesnake? I'm planning 1-2 night backpack end of the month.
-n

[Barbie Queue]

I think the route from the Los Padres Dam is more enjoyable, but longer. The "trail" from Big Pines to Pat's Spring is not very followable so bring something for guidance.

The hike up the Long Ridge road is a grind but it is shorter and you may be able to hitch a ride from a local heading up that way.

Either way you are bound to find lots of solitude if you are bold enough to head up there in these challenging weather conditions.

[Little n]

Hello,
Any update on the Double Cone trail since Feb 2018? Is it better to start from Long Ridge or from Los Padres Dam?
Thanks

[mikesplain]

Palo Colorado Road is supposed to be "open to residents" on November 1st, not sure what that means for the general public though. See- http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government ... r-projects

[Jeffrey69]

Thank you. Now one can hike the Hoist into the Double Cone Trail. I hear the Palo Colorado Rd will open the end of the month. Have a nice day.

[Jerry swine]

There is no trail from there. Walk up the long ridge rd until you reach the turner creek tail see bigsurtrailmap.net