Hiking from Bottchers Gap to Pico Blanco to Mt Manuel to Pfeiffer
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This is a one-way hike that requires leaving one car at Pfeiffer Park and driving with the other car to Bottchers Gap.
The main attraction is Mt Manuel, that is reputed to have the best view of Big Sur (but not in summer because of the fog). A cross-country detour to Pico Blanco is also possible. Trailhead: the end of Palo Colorado Rd. Take Hwy 1 south from Carmel, and (after about 20 kms) turn left into Palo Colorado Rd (just after Rocky Point Rd). The road is paved but very narrow and winding. The campground is at the very end. There is a fee ($12 in 2008) to camp. The trailhead is the very visible fire road (usually gated). Trailend: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The Mt Manuel trail is called Gorge Trail at the very beginning, near the Softball Field (pass the ranger station to the left and go to the end of the road). description... One can take a detour to climb Pico Blanco, leaving the trail after Boy Scout Camp and the junction with Jackson Camp trail. Best is to walk up the ridge heading west, that connects with Pico Blanco's north ridge. A longer way (but staying on trails) is to take the Mt Manuel trail in the western direction and then turn right into the fire road that ascends Pico Blanco.
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Other recommended hikes in the Ventana Wilderness:
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