Hike notes

Lion Den Loop hike notes:
Lion Den Loop
Salmon Creek Trail, South Coast Ridge Road (dirt), Cruikshank Trail, Buckeye Trail

Round Trip: 16 miles, 4800 ft.gain
Map+Photos
Route metrics & trail conditions
Printable map

Overview

Attractions include hike by stream with waterfalls, with side trip to Salmon Creek Falls and/or Upper Salmon Creek Falls, views of coast and inland. Upper Cruikshank Trail includes cinnamon-color serpentine rock outcrops and goes through Lion Den Spring Botanical Area with endemic Santa Lucia fir and a grove of serpentine-endemic Sargent cypress(be sure to notice them!).

Camps

Suggested camp is Lion Den Camp with wonderful view. For 3 day hike suggest adding side trip to Villa Creek Camp to camp alongside a stream (adds 0.6 miles). For water information check individual camp descriptions on interactive map.

Access

72 hour parking allowed along CA Route 1 near trailhead.

Notes

• Can add out-and_return hike to Silver Peak on (brushy) Silver Peak Usetrail.
• Section between Estrella Camp and South Coast Ridge Road can get brushy/obscure.
• Very few vehicles reach this section of South Coast Ridge Road.

External Links - Hike Reports & Videos

(none yet - suggestions welcomed)