Day hike to the top of Junipero Serra Peak
Topo map of the area

Was driving back from Santa Barbara and stopped off for this morning hike in the Las Padres National Forest to the highest point in Monterey county. Followed the route described in Jeffrey Shafer's excellent (but very dated in places) book, Hiking the Big Sur Country.

Getting to the trailhead was a bit interesting, as you have to pass through the Hunter Ligget Military Reservation. (Trailhead directions can be found here). The guard at the reservation gate will ask to see a valid unexpired drivers license, registration, and insurance card so be sure to bring these. The left turn onto Del Ventura is hard to see in the dark and if you miss it you end up wandering about the reservation. Once through the reservation, Los Padres requires a Wilderness Adventure Pass. I arrived at the Memorial campsite shortly before midnight and got a bit of sleep before dawn.

Hit the trail around 5:30am and made it most of the way to the peak before the sun popped over the ridge. Was a bit chilly in the morning, but got downright hot (low 90's) by the end of the morning. The trail was mostly dry and exposed and I was glad to have avoided the sun for most of it.

Be sure to note that the lookout tower is not at the acutal peak, the peak is 100 yards or so further up the trail. Be a shame to turn around at the tower and miss the actual high point.

Check the backcountry page for more recent trips to Junipero Serra.
Update 11/05: Adventure passes are no longer required in the Ventana Wilderness.