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CHAPTER six

Safety & Conservation

HUNDREDS OF MILES OF TRAILS AND ROADS crisscross Big Sur’s state parks, the Ventana Wilderness, and the Silver Peak Wilderness. Plan carefully before you venture into the backcountry. This chapter describes potential hazards and offers gear suggestions to help you prepare for your hike.

The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean it’s safe for everyone. Trails vary greatly in difficulty and condition. Some sections are choked with poison oak, encroaching brush, fallen trees, and debris. The sheer landscape is also subject to floods and landslides. Conditions can change rapidly. A riverside trail that’s safe on a dry day may be impassable during heavy rains, even for the fittest hiker.

It is essential that you tell someone where you’re hiking and when you expect to return so rescue groups know where to look if you’re overdue. Always respect your limits and avoid hiking alone. Stay on the trail, both to limit erosion and avoid injury.

Following the preparation tips is a partial list of regulations and advice on how to preserve this beautiful landscape for fellow hikers. If you’d like to volunteer your time, refer to the list of conservation organizations.

Wildlife Hazards

Ticks

Particularly in the Ventana and Silver Peak Wildernesses, trails are often overgrown with brush. This encroaching brush, in turn, harbors ticks. Tick numbers boom following winter’s first major rains and don’t drop again till early summer. They’re most prevalent amid dense thickets of chamise, Big Sur’s most widespread plant.

Once one of these blood-sucking arachnids latches on, it climbs till it reaches an exposed patch of skin. Deer ticks start out the size of a comma on a printed page, while wood ticks are only about twice that size. The tiny hitchhikers often go unnoticed until they swell with blood.

Along the coast, enjoy the coarse sand between your toes, but beware of cold water and dangerous currents.

Ticks usually take an hour or more to burrow into your skin, though in heavily infested areas you should check for them every few minutes. Wear long, light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks. Consider wearing breathable rain gear, as the slow-moving insects have difficulty latching onto the synthetic material.

If you do find a tick burrowed into your skin, take a pair of tweezers, grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull it straight out. Avoid squeezing the tick, as it may emit bacteria into the skin. While tick-borne Lyme disease remains rare in the northern Santa Lucia Range, that risk could change in the future. A tick must be attached for at least 24 hours to transmit the disease, which is very treatable if diagnosed early. If you develop a bull’s-eye rash, pain, fever, headache, or muscle ache after a tick bite, see your doctor immediately.

Flies

How can such a small insect be so vexing? A number of fly species thrive when temperatures rise above 70°F. Though certain types can deliver a painful bite, these are typically slow and easy to swat. Much more of a nuisance are persistent nonbiting gnats, which continually buzz around your face. You may encounter flies on a warm winter day, but populations increase markedly between April and October. Dense oak woodlands are their favorite habitat in summer.

Rattlesnakes

Found throughout the Santa Lucia Range, these venomous snakes like to bask on warm rocks or sunny patches of dirt. They are most common in spring when their food supply (mostly rodents) also peaks. Rattlesnakes usually flee when startled and will only strike if threatened.

To avoid being bitten, stay on paths, always give snakes the right of way, wear high-sided hiking boots, and carry a walking stick. When climbing, watch where you place your hands and feet.

If someone is bitten, keep the person as calm and still as possible, gently wash the area with soap and water, apply a clean bandage, and seek immediate medical attention. Do not apply a tourniquet or pack the bite area in ice, as either method will only block circulation. Do not use your mouth to suck out venom, as that may lead to a complicating infection. Following treatment, most snakebite symptoms resolve within a few days.

Giardia lamblia

People often return from camping trips suffering from giardiasis, an infection of the small intestine that can cause nausea, diarrhea, loose or watery stool, and stomach cramps. A single-celled parasite, Giardia lamblia is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal or through contaminated food or water. Symptoms generally begin one to two weeks after being infected and may last two to six weeks.

Purify all water taken from springs, lakes, creeks, and rivers with a portable filter, chemical treatment, or by boiling it for one to three minutes.

Raccoons & Skunks

These night visitors are drawn by food left out by campers. Never leave your food unattended and always store it somewhere safe at night, preferably in a food canister hung from a tree. Avoid feeding wildlife. Raccoons and skunks are known carriers of rabies and are also infested with disease-carrying fleas, ticks, lice, and mites.

Mountain Lions

While mountain lions do roam throughout the Santa Lucia Range, they are extremely elusive and pose a minimal threat. Don’t hike alone, and keep children within arm’s length. If you encounter a lion, neither approach nor run from it. Do all you can to appear larger, and fight back if attacked.

Wild Boars

Hunters introduced these destructive, nonnative animals to the Santa Lucia Range as game in the 1920s, and their population has since exploded. Boar hunting is permitted within the Ventana and Silver Peak Wildernesses, but regulations govern how far hunters must keep from trails and roads. For more information, contact the Los Padres National Forest Headquarters: (805) 968-6640 or www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.

Plant Hazards

Poison Oak

Poison oak is a common trailside companion in Big Sur country. It grows as a low-lying bush, shrub, or vine along stream banks, rocky canyons, mountain flanks, and coastal bluffs from sea level to below 5000 feet (it’s only absent on the highest rocky summits). Learning to identify this toxic plant is the first step toward avoiding a painful, annoying rash.

Poison oak leaves are clustered in threes. Shiny when young, the leaflets usually range from half an inch to 2 inches long. In fall the leaves turn a brilliant red, while branches are bare in winter. Unfortunately, all parts of the plant (the leaves, flowers, stem, roots, and fruit) are toxic year-round.

Since many trails are overgrown, particularly within the Ventana and Silver Peak Wildernesses, it’s likely you’ll brush up against poison oak at some point. It’s best to wear long pants while hiking, regardless of temperature. If you’re extremely susceptible, bring extra pants and long-sleeved shirts, and place each day’s clothes in a plastic bag upon reaching camp. Wash your skin thoroughly with products designed to remove the plant’s toxic oil, such as Tecnu.

Poison oak’s oily resin contains the toxin urushiol. Contact can cause painful blistering, weeping soars, and maddening itching. The rash may appear in a few hours or days, depending on the extent of exposure and your degree of sensitivity. Most exposures are through direct contact with the plant. Other sources include smoke and secondary exposure from pets, soiled clothing, and gear. If your symptoms are severe, see a physician for treatment with strong corticosteroids.

Stinging Nettle

Another unpleasant plant you may encounter on the trail is the stinging nettle, which grows in clusters along the banks of creeks and rivers. Nettle leaves bear raised prickly hairs that stick in your skin, instantly delivering a painful sting and burning sensation. You’ll know once you’ve walked through stinging nettles—the key is to recognize them in advance.

Growing in slender stalks up to 6 feet tall, nettles sport dense, drooping clusters of flowers where the leaves join the stalk. Leaves are heart-shaped, finely toothed, and grow on opposite sides of the stem. When you brush against the plant, the tiny hollow hairs break off and release an acid. Symptoms are usually gone within 24 hours.

You can neutralize the acid by mixing it with a base, such as baking soda. Bring a packet of baking soda with you, and apply it to your skin as soon as possible to soothe the burn. If baking soda is unavailable, try your own spit, which is somewhat basic and will help neutralize the acid.

Gear

Survival Essentials

You should always carry:

Water

Many wilderness trails are dry for several miles, and small seasonal creeks are not always reliable. Carry at least 1–2 liters of water and some means of purifying backcountry sources (filter or chemical treatment such as iodine).

Food

An energy bar, nuts, or trail mix may be critical if you’re out longer than you planned to be.

First-Aid Kit

Accidents and injuries can happen to anyone. Properly preparing for these instances can save you from a backcountry disaster. Prepackaged first-aid kits are readily available at outdoor equipment stores. A basic kit should include at least the following:

Ace bandages

Advil or other anti-inflammatory medicine

alcohol pads

antibiotic ointment

Band-Aids and moleskin

cotton balls or swabs

gauze pads and bandages

hydrogen peroxide

medical tape

poison oak soap (Tecnu)

space blanket

tweezers (for removing ticks)

Tylenol (fever and pain reduction)

waterproof matches (for emergency fire)

Knife

Pocketknives and all-in-one tools can be invaluable in the event of a mishap.

Map & Compass

Some of the more remote trails are heavily overgrown with brush and easily lost to slides and fallen debris. A map and compass may help you find your way home.

Important Hiking Gear

Backpack

The ideal daypack should have enough room to carry survival essentials, ideally somewhere between 1000 and 2000 cubic inches of volume. Overnight packs should provide between 3000 and 4000 cubic inches.

Flashlight

Whenever possible, avoid hiking in the dark, as trails are steep, slippery, and lined with poison oak in places. However, if you’re delayed or tire unexpectedly, you may end up hiking in the dark. Be prepared and always carry a flashlight. Hands-free headlamps are preferred over handheld flashlights.

Essential Overnight Gear

Sleeping Bag

Temperatures can drop dramatically at higher elevations along the Santa Lucia Range. Choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 20°F or lower to ensure a warm and restful night’s sleep. Be prepared for temperatures to occasionally drop below freezing from late fall through early spring.

Sleeping Pad

Inflatable and foam sleeping pads keep you off the cold, hard ground. They also provide spots to sit and lounge at camp.

Tent

Too often hikers leave tents at home, particularly in summer when rainfall is unlikely. However, fog creeps inland and can saturate a sleeping bag with condensation by morning.

The Kitchen Sink

Be sure to pack plenty of food, spices, cooking supplies, and utensils. There’s nothing like eating gourmet in the backcountry. Don’t forget the chocolate and warm drinks.

Camp Wear

Backcountry hiking can be a sweaty slog. When you arrive at camp, it’s wonderful to hang out beneath the stars in a set of comfortable camp clothes (e.g., long underwear, comfortable fleece pants, and slip-on shoes). Again, those extremely sensitive to poison oak should store the previous day’s clothes in a plastic bag.

Other Necessities

Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, polarizing sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, toiletries, a warm knit cap, waterproof backpack cover, duct tape, and trowel.

If there’s still room in your pack, bring a camera, binoculars, a Frisbee, cards, and small travel games.

The Wilderness Ethic

TREATING BIG SUR’S PUBLIC LANDS as a precious resource will ensure they remain unspoiled for future generations. Please refer to the following commonsense guidelines:

Group Size

Visit in small groups. Although US Forest Service guidelines allow groups of up to 25 individuals at backcountry camps, most backcountry camps only have room for up to 10. You’ll find designated group camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Kirk Creek Campground, and Arroyo Seco Campground.

Camping

Camp at an established site. Keep your camp clean and never leave food out. Scout the area to be sure you leave nothing behind.

Fire Safety

Careless campfire use has sparked devastating blazes. Where fire use is authorized, please observe the following measures:

Campfires are permitted only in established fire rings and must be kept small, using as little wood as possible. Use only dead and downed wood. Always make sure your fire is completely extinguished before you break camp.

Regardless of the time of year, a fire permit is required for backcountry camping. The permits allow full campfires during the wet season (November through April) or the use of camp stoves the rest of the year. East side campers should contact the Los Padres National Forest Headquarters in Goleta at (805) 968-6640. West side campers can obtain a permit either at Big Sur Station, a half mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or at Pacific Valley Station, 5 miles north of Gorda.

Noise Pollution

Respect the natural peace, fellow hikers, and neighboring campers by keeping all trail and camp chatter down. Raucous behavior may also spook wildlife.

Camp at established sites to minimize your impact and “leave no trace.”

Sanitation

Keep soap and detergent away from all natural water sources. If you’re susceptible to poison oak and need to wash with medicated soap, do not bathe in the streams. Such products contain toxic chemicals that pollute water. Wash with water from a pot, and rinse at least 100 feet from any water source.

Also refrain from washing dishes or clothing in natural water sources. Wash using minimal water and dispose of wastewater at least 100 feet from any water source.

If a pit toilet is unavailable, dig a hole at least 6 inches deep, make your deposit, and cover it with the soil you removed. Do not bury toilet paper or trash, as an animal may dig it up.

Garbage

If you pack it in, you must pack it out. Before leaving camp, clean up and pack out any trash left by inconsiderate campers. Leave the site looking as lightly used as possible.

Pack Stock & Horses

Hikers must yield right-of-way to all pack and saddle animals. Forage is often scarce, so be sure to pack plenty of food for your animals. Such animals can severely damage trails and camps if not properly handled. Avoid tying animals to trees, as they may dig up roots and strip bark.

Wildlife

Do not feed wild animals. They will associate humans with food and may become aggressive pests. Juvenile animals may never learn normal foraging behavior, instead becoming dependent on handouts that are not part of their natural diets. Wild animals may also congregate in unnaturally high numbers, which might increase chances of disease transmission.

Conservation

WITH LITTLE MONEY ALLOCATED for maintenance, the US Forest Service is unable to devote much attention to trails within the Ventana and Silver Peak Wildernesses. Fortunately, groups of dedicated volunteers have taken responsibility for rebuilding trail networks and caring for this backcountry that belongs to us all. Many of these volunteers work for the following listed conservation groups, grass-roots organizations dedicated to protecting, preserving, enhancing, and restoring public lands within the Santa Lucia Range.

Let us leave a splendid legacy for our children … let us turn to them and say, “This you inherit: Guard it well, for it is far more precious than money … and once destroyed, nature’s beauty cannot be repurchased at any price.”

Ansel Adams, American photographer, 1902–1984

We owe a debt of gratitude to such volunteers. The trails would not be passable and this book would not be possible without them. Be sure to do your part to leave Big Sur’s natural spaces as pristine as you found them.

Conservation Organizations

The Big Sur wilderness hangs in fragile balance between humans and nature. Were it not for the foresight and efforts of grass-roots conservationists, much of the region’s untamed splendor might be lost to development. Please contact the following groups if you’d like to get involved:

Big Sur Land Trust

PO Box 221864

Carmel, CA 93922

(831) 625-5523; bigsurlandtrust.org

Sierra Club, Ventana Chapter

PO Box 5667

Carmel, CA 93921

(831) 624-8032; ventana.sierraclub.org

Ventana Wilderness Alliance

PO Box 506

Santa Cruz, CA 95061

(831) 423-3191; ventanawild.org