Hike notes: 
Black Cone Trail via Pine Ridge Trail 
Pine Ridge Trail, Black Cone Trail, Marble Peak Trail, Tony Trail, return



Round Trip: 31 miles, 9300 ft.gain
Map+Photos 
Route metrics & trail conditions 
Printable map 

Attractions are narrow riparian canyons, ridgetops with views, large meadowed valleys, creeks, and rocky outcrops.  Seldom visited (and nowt brushy) Black Cone Trail gives expansive views of upper Big Sur River. 


Variety of camps (and use camps) along creeks and in meadows.  Dispersed camping also possible.  For water information check individual camp descriptions on interactive map.

Dirt Tassajara Road best for high clearance vehicles, condition varies seasonally depending upon date of last scraping. 

• Expect significant brushy patches on Black Cone Trail - best done with accurate GPS track to avoid need to search for trail - for current conditions see Local Trail Conditions Map. 
• Crossing of Tassajara Creek can be impassable after heavy winter rains. 
• Best done counter-clockwise so going downhill through brush on Black Cone Trail. 
• Can shorten loop by hiking Church Ranch Road to Tassajara Road instead of north end of Church Creek Trail. 

(none yet - suggestions welcomed)

Local Trail Conditions Map
Big Sur hiking information  

Jim Ringland's photos with descriptions for Black Cone Loop - Part 1,  Part 2