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Los Padres National Forest: Vicente Flat Trail

ByCat
Vicente Flat Trail, along the coast of Highway One and within the Los Padres National Forest, is a wonderful trail to get a view of the mountainside and the Pacific Ocean. 

The trailhead was harder to find than I expected. After driving up and down the coast for about 20 minutes, my friend and I decided to ask the attendant at the Limekiln State Park. They responded that the trailhead was directly across from Kirk Creek campground. So, dear reader, keep that in mind. After parking near the big sign for Kirk Creek campground, we noticed the trailhead is this tiny little gate on the same side of the road as the large sign. Talk about a face palm. We had noticed the sign as we drove up and down the coast, but didn’t see the trailhead…

The trail immediately starts climbing up, and with every step taken, the view of the campground and the ocean is so welcoming. The campers who stay at Kirk Creek sure are lucky for snagging an incredible spot right next to the ocean! After a bit, I finally realized that the exposed sections of the trail were surprisingly humid, probably from all the plants that were actively photosynthesizing.



After awhile, we pass through a a forest, which is a nice shaded area to block from the heavy heat and sun. 



The trail continues to snake along the side of the mountain, and after awhile, my friend and I decided to stop, have lunch and turn around. After lunch, I head up the trail for a little bit more and come across a peculiar rock that looks like it was randomly dropped from the sky.




The view on the way back is equally stunning with views towards the South. 



Since we didn’t make it to the campground or Cone Peak, we will have to come back for round two!

Los Padres National Forest: Vicente Flat Trail (to the pointed rock)
Start: across the street from Kirk Creek Campground
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty:  moderate
Length: ~4.6 miles
Danger: variable weather, narrow trails, collapsed trees
Exposure: mostly open
Crowd factor: low

(hike completed in March 2016)

Happy travels!
Cat

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