BIG SUR BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

Big Sur backcountry camping, like backcountry camping anywhere, gives your mind, body, and spirit a respite from the cares and stresses of our modern society. You're out there alone (or with a few friends or family members), and you are in control of your time. How free-ing is that!

THE SANTA LUCIA MOUNTAINS & VENTANA WILDERNESS

The Santa Lucia Mountains in Big Sur offer approximately 237 miles of trails for the intrepid backpacker to enjoy, and they provide access to about 55 designated backcountry camping sites.

As you can imagine, these are not always easy to find, so a National Forests Map is always a good idea!

You'll be hiking through some of the most gorgeous countryside in the world, with open stands of pines, meadows filled with wildflowers in the spring, deep canyons, streams that sometimes have waterfalls and deep pools, coastal redwoods, and rocky outcrops and boulders, sometimes getting a stunning glimpse from on-high of the Big Sur coastline!

Life doesn't get much better than this!

THE UPSIDE & THE DOWNSIDE

The upside of backcountry camping in Big Sur is you're alone with nature.

The downside of backcountry camping in Big Sur (or anywhere in NorCal, for that matter) is you're alone with nature.

There are coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, wild boar, raccoons - some of whom get hungry! There are no bears in Big Sur, but if you're camping in the backcountry, it's a good idea to follow the same precautions with food and the like that you would in bear country, so here's a web page that will give you some ideas: Backcountry Camping in Bear Country.

And here's a picture of a critter you also might run into - he's called the Big Sur Banana Slug. I don't want to leave you wondering, "What in the world . . . ???" if you come upon one in the forests.

Looking for other types of camping in Big Sur? Here you go:

Please continue your exploration of what Northern California has to offer by using the Nav Bar at the left, by using the links at the bottom of the page, or by using the customized search box below to find the specific topic that interests you.

Like what you're finding here at DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com? Then please share with your Social Network (see the buttons in the NavBar to the left, or at the bottom of the page).

For more pictures of Northern California and other great stuff, check out my facebook page, www.DiscoverNorthernCalifornia.com. Become a fan, write on my Wall, contribute to the Discussion Board, post a Review -- join in the fun!