A moderately strenuous hike to the cache location will reward
the persistent cacher with gorgeous panoramas, wildflowers (in the
spring), and some relatively gentle hiking over picturesque
meadows. Truly, on the upper half of this hike, it was all I
could do stop myself from breaking out in song like Maria in The
Sound of Music. If you happen to be in the vicinity of the
Chuck P. Hudson bench (N36 27.993 W121 54.879) on a Tuesday
afternoon around sunset, you may run into the local "Tuesday Night
Club" that hangs out on the promontory near the bench to watch the
sunset (this is a bring your own vino, bread, and cheese
affair).
You'll pass one cache on the way up the ridge, and if you have
the time, I highly recommend taking the trail off the ridge down to
Sobranes Canyon to snag three more caches down there.
Trailhead for both hikes is identical.
Trail Information:
Mileage: ~11 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet
Trailhead Coordinates: N 36 27.265 W121 55.428
Trail Log: From the trailhead coordinates, you will
follow the trail beyond the gate to a stream crossing (Sobranes
Creek). After the bridge, the trail forks. Depending on
your plans you could take either trail. The one on the right
goes up the beautiful and popular Sobranes Canyon. The left,
and more direct route follows the Rocky Ridge Trail. Both
trails meet about two miles up, so either way you'll have a great
hike.
Sobranes Canyon/Rocky Ridge Trail Junction (N36 28.185 W121
54.435): After two miles of hiking and just under 2,000 feet of
climbing on a very well maintained trail (by Big Sur standards),
the two trails meet up. The vast majority of hikers make the
loop hike up the canyon and down the ridge, but a fainter track
will lead up the ridge further to your next destination: Doud
Peak.
Doud Peak (N36 28.270 W121 53.831): This marks the end of
the maintained trail part of the hike. From here, an
indistinct path continues over the top of Doud Peak and down the
other side. Follow the faint path down to the saddle between
Doud and the start of the ridge that leads to the summit of Palo
Corona. Abandoned ranch roads and cow paths are the only
"trail" you'll find on the next section. Stay on the crest of
the ridge until you get to a fairly steep hill with an old road
that cuts off to the left.
Old Ranch Road (N36 27.712 W121 52.512): Follow the ranch
road leading left through the oaks. This will skirt the
steepest part of the hill and lead to another old road that will
come up the hill from the North. Steep in places, but better
than the alternative of hiking straight up the grassy slope.
On top of the small hill you will find two picnic benches.
Picnic Benches (N36 27.628 W121 52.339): An excellent
place for a rest and maybe a bite to eat. The views from here
are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, an unbroken
view of the Monterey Bay can be enjoyed. When you're done
with your rest, shoulder your pack and continue up the road.
There's one or two places where old roads lead off left, but I
found it better to stay on the more direct roads. There were
a couple of steep sections, but nothing impossibly so. From
the picnic benches to the summit is about 3/4 of a mile.