PaulDanielson-BlackButte
Paul surveys the Ventana wilderness from Black Butte


In Memoriam
Paul Danielson logo
1938-2016


A Ventana legend - hiker of every Ventana trail (and trails now lost)

A finder of "Lost Camps" and font of Ventana knowledge

A kind and good and optimistic man, so helpful to others

My friend and companion for 60+ hikes and 600+ trail miles

Now missed by many

But his knowledge passes on through Big Sur Trailmap

And he is not forgotten

  Obituary  



Remembering Paul Danielson
by Jack Glendening
VWA Wilderness Watch - Spring 2016


A Hiking Legacy
by Emma Hiolski
Monterey Herald - October 24, 2016


Ventana Trails Forever Plaque
The hiking legacy at Big Sur Station

Lost Camps of the Ventana
Paul's labor of love
Lost Camps of the Ventana book cover


Paul in his element - overgrown Mt. Manuel Trail
PaulDanielson+JackGlendening-TerraceCreekCamp
B. Siedoff - January 2013  


Paul and I share a story at "virtually lost" Launtz Creek Camp
PaulDanielson+JackGlendening-TerraceCreekCamp
M. Ferdin - January 2013  


Paul in his element - overseeing Arroyo Seco
PaulDanielson-overlooks-Arroyo-Seco_Gorge
J. Glendening - March 2010  


The Reverend Paul Danielson
PaulDanielson+Altar
J. Glendening - March 2010  


In Remembrance
Flowers+Altar
J. Glendening - May 2017  




2016 postscript - a poignant find

In June 2016 I went out to continue flagging the route to Vado Camp along the currently "lost" Mt. Manuel Trail.  While at Launtz Creek Camp I idly lifted up the hinged metal plate atop the USFS grate there - and was greatly surprised to find this under it
Paul Danielson VTF Card - March 30, 2012

I'd completely forgotten that when Paul and I first bushwhacked to that camp back in March 2012, trying to find remaining traces of the Mt. Manuel Trail, he had taken out a "Ventana Trails Forever" campaign card he carried, added "+ Jack Glendening" with the date, and placed it under the plate as a celebratory token, since our first attempt had been unsuccessful. 

I left it there to continue to deteriorate.  Some footprints we make last longer than others. 



2017 postscript - another poignant find

In August 2017, Bryce Winter and Franco Guzman made a long and difficult backpack, under USFS auspices, to survey trail and camp conditions within the Soberanes fire burn area.  At remote Round Rock Camp they found the following - and I then found a photo of Paul writing that note.

Photo taken August 2017 Paul Danielson Round Rock Camp note - 2017

Photo taken October 2011 Paul Danielson at Round Rock Camp - 2011





  Jack Glendening
  Big Sur Trailmap