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Big Sur Trail

Monterey · Managed by Los Padres National Forest (USFS) · Region: Ventana Wilderness
Difficulty 20/100 · Moderateout and back#big-sur#ventana-wilderness#redwoods#connector-trail
Distance
8.5 mi
Total gain
1,800 ft
Net gain
1,800 ft
Net loss
1,800 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

The Big Sur Trail is the Ventana Wilderness's redwood connector: 8.47 miles from Cold Springs Campground down through the Big Sur River's camp country to the Pine Ridge Trail, past four trail camps. A quieter middle loop for those exploring the heart of Big Sur's backcountry.

Highlights

  • A redwood-lined descent through the Big Sur River drainage
  • Four trail camps — Cienega, Cold Springs, Mocho, and Rainbow — each a camp option
  • The Pine Ridge Trail junction for extended loops
  • No fees and no permits — the Los Padres way

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Cold Springs Campground · parking: Cold Springs Campground (3,200 ft) on the Cone Peak road network; no trail fees
  • Water: Seasonal creeks at the trail camps; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Big Sur Station has services nearby.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

No wilderness permit is required for this route (per Los Padres National Forest (USFS)).

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings, and forest-wide fire restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, October, November.

Snow: Year-round.

Heat: Warm on the exposed sections.

Bugs: Poison oak and ticks in warm months.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Closed as of August 2026 due to the Timber and Plaskett Fires — check the Monterey closure order
  • Poison oak is prevalent along the trail
  • Water is seasonal at the camps by late summer
  • Access roads can close after storms

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Big Sur Trail 3E07. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/trails/big-sur-trail-3e07. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (8.47 mi), elevation range (1,600–3,400 ft), trailhead coordinates, camp elevations (Cienega 1,700 ft, Cold Springs 3,200 ft, Mocho 1,600 ft, Rainbow 1,550 ft), no-permit policy, and August 2026 closure due to the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
  2. Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order with Exceptions. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/alerts/monterey-ranger-district-emergency-closure-order-exceptions. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Current emergency closure affecting the Monterey Ranger District.
  3. Los Padres Fire Use and Firearm Restrictions. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/alerts/los-padres-fire-use-and-firearm-restrictions. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Current fire-use restrictions for the forest.