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Carmel River Trail

Monterey · Managed by Los Padres National Forest (USFS) · Region: Ventana Wilderness
Difficulty 22/100 · Moderateout and back#big-sur#ventana-wilderness#river#redwoods
Distance
13 mi
Total gain
800 ft
Net gain
800 ft
Net loss
0 ft
Elevation
1,063–3,202 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

The Carmel River Trail is the Ventana Wilderness's northern doorway: 13 miles up the Carmel River's redwood canyon from Los Padres Dam toward the interior's trail camp country. A river walk through Big Sur's quiet backside, far from the Highway 1 crowds.

Highlights

  • Redwood-lined river canyon walking
  • The Carmel River's pools and rapids in spring
  • Access to the Ventana's northern camp country
  • A quieter entry than the coastal trailheads

How hard is Carmel River Trail?

CaliPeaks rates this route 22/100 (Moderate). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 800 ft puts this trip at 7% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 13 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 3,202 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 3 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Los Padres Dam Trailhead (1,063 ft) · parking: Los Padres Dam area off Cachagua Road, Carmel Valley
  • Water: The Carmel River throughout; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Carmel Valley has services below.
  • 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; the river runs best in spring.

Heat: The lower canyon is warm in summer.

Bugs: Poison oak and ticks in warm months.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Check the Monterey Ranger District closure order — portions of the district are closed by the 2026 Timber and Plaskett Fires
  • Poison oak lines much of the trail
  • River crossings rise in spring
  • The dam road gate has seasonal hours

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. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Caramel River Trail 3E03. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/trails/caramel-river-trail-3e03. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (13 mi), elevation range (1,200–2,000 ft), and difficulty rating (Difficult/Strenuous).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.