Summer Is For Hiking: Tanbark Trail, Big Sur area, Ventana Wilderness on June 16, 2012
Mounds of Clover, lower section of Tanbark Trail, Big Sur Area/ Ventana Wilderness on June 16 2012, kathryn arnold
Summer Is For Hiking
On June 16 2012, after stopping at the ranger’s station near Big Sur to inquire which trails were closed and after discovering Edwoldsen was still closed, and since Tanbark trail was recommended we got a late start (11:30 AM) up the trail.
The trailhead is on the land side of highway 1 across from Partington Cove. http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikemap.html
We first encountered a choice – to either hike on the right side of the creek or the left side. We selected the right side first but after scrambling through 2 rock slides and heavy brush determined to try out the left side of the creek.
Don’t go this way (south side of creek)
Below is an image of one of the rock slides.
Rockslide on south side of Partington Creek, blocks the trail
Instead select the trail to the left side of the creek.
The way to go – Tanbark trail
This comes along with a clear sign designating the way.
Tanbark Trail Sign
Beautiful redwoods, clover, ferns dot the path along the creek transcending the hillsides. Little did we know that it would not remain as cool at the top as it was at the base – had we known we would have begun much earlier in the day with more water.
Hillside at beginning of trail
Above and below are sample images of the surrounding landscape.
Partington Creek with clover mounds at beginning of Tanbark trail
Looking up there is indication of the 3.2 climb of 1400 feet which is attained through a variety of switchbacks through redwood forests and then later groves of what must be Tanbark Oaks. From what I have read, the tanbark oak is more like an evergreen beech tree.
Steep Hillside on Tanbark trail
The trail meanders upward through alternating full sun and shaded areas.
Along the way on Tanbark Trail
There are wildflowers at everyturn as we hit the full sun sections of the trail which are filled with nonaggressive bees. Many times the flowers spread into the trail. The variety of flowers is quite extensive.
Flowers in open sun, Tanbark trail
Columbines also fill the hillsides. Here is one that was close to the trail.
columbine growing everywhere
Continuing upwards for awhile now. The trail back down will also be somewhat steep.
Headed up, June 16 2012, Tanbark trail
Along the upward journey, views of the ocean begin to appear.
climbing – with view of ocean to remind of ‘why’
With each view we felt we must be almost there…but not!
view of pacific on the way up
Below is a photo of what may be the Tanbark oaks. The bark has peeled off many of them.
Possibly Tanbark Oaks, kathryn arnold
At the top the view is outstanding – one can see forever, it seems.
how to see forever, view towards south, pacific coastline from top of Tanbark Trail, kathryn arnold
We may have missed the actual Tin House. Some fellow hikers were up there as well and they also did not know where it was. We did locate a large pile of rusted tin on the ground and assumed this was it. Since returning – I looked online and see actual images of a house.
View from the top, north view of coastline, kathryn arnold
The coastline is breathtaking.
Coastline (to the South) , Pacific Ocean from top of Tanbark Trail
The ranger had spoken to us about this Connector trail – it leads to an overlook of Edwoldsen Canyon and then if you wish, you could hike down. He warned of downed trees.
View from Connector Trail, June 16, 2012, kathryn arnold
So this image displays a grand view of the Connector trail. There is a sign that directs you to traverse to the left to journey on.
Connector Trail to Edwoldsen Overlook by kathryn arnold
Up at the top one has multiple decisions to make. One can head down using the road and then walk a mile back to the Partington turnout. We opted not as walking on Highway 1 felt precarious and journeyed back down the way we came up.
Heading back down with view of creek by kathryn arnold
The sun had shifted and we arrived at the base by 5 PM.
Redwoods and Clover, June 16 2012, Tanbark Trail by kathryn arnold
The lighting took on a mesmerizing quality and as we entered the redwoods once again, it is as if someone had turned on the AC.
mound of clover, tanbark trail, june 16, 2012, kathryn arnold
These are some photographs taken in the late afternoon.
Trip back down Tanbark Trail, natural AC by kathryn arnold
And here are some more.
Forest Floor by Kathryn Arnold
And here is another.
Redwoods on Forest Floor, Tanbark trail
solairt : photography 