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Vicente Flat via Kirk Creek

Monterey · Managed by Los Padres National Forest (USFS) · Region: Ventana Wilderness
Difficulty 17/100 · Easyout and back#big-sur#coastal#redwoods#ocean-views
Distance
10 mi
Total gain
1,630 ft
Net gain
1,630 ft
Net loss
1,630 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Vicente Flat is the quintessential Big Sur overnight: a 5-mile climb from Highway 1 with the Pacific on your shoulder, ending at redwood-shaded campsites along Hare Canyon. No fees, no permits — just ocean views and a grove of redwoods.

Highlights

  • Sweeping Pacific panoramas on the ocean-facing climb
  • Redwood grove campsites at Vicente Flat
  • Espinosa Camp's mid-trail rest stop
  • The only no-fee, no-permit coastal backpack on the Big Sur coast

How hard is Vicente Flat via Kirk Creek?

CaliPeaks rates this route 17/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 1,630 ft puts this trip at 14% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 10 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 1,506 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Kirk Creek Trailhead (Highway 1) · parking: Pullout on Highway 1 across from Kirk Creek Campground; no fee, permits, or passes needed
  • Water: Hare Canyon's seasonal creek at Vicente Flat; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Big Sur and Lucia have limited services.
  • 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. Contact the Monterey Ranger District for current fire restrictions before your trip; forest-wide restrictions are common. 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; spring brings wildflowers, fall brings clear skies.

Heat: The ocean-facing climb stays cool.

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
  • Nacimiento-Fergusson and Cone Peak Roads are closed; the Highway 1 route is the only access
  • Poison oak lines much of the trail
  • Water at Vicente Flat is seasonal

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. Vicente Flat Trail. Los Padres National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/trails/vicente-flat-trail. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (5.02 mi), Vicente Flat Camp elevation (1,630 ft), Espinosa Camp (1,700 ft), ocean views, redwood grove campsites, and August 2026 closure due to the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
  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.