San Benito County, California

Looking for the best hiking in San Benito County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Benito County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near San Benito County

  • Big Sur, California

    Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove

    4.5
    Partington Cove which is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is one of Big Sur's hidden gems. It's a very short hike with enough views to show why Big Sur earned the nickname " Little Yosemite." The whole hike can easily be completed in less than an hour, although there are definitely eno...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Timber Top and Boranda Trail

    5.67 mi / 2690 ft gain
    Timber Top and Boranda Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Pat Springs via Skinners Ridge

    3.5
    13.18 mi / 3645 ft gain
    Backpacking to Pat Springs is a way to see Big Sur and the San Lucia mountains from a perspective that few get to experience. The Ventana Wilderness is rugged and remote, yet Pat Springs is one of the most beautiful campgrounds around that will allow you to take in this amazing terrain.  To get ...
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  • Big Sur, California

    3 Branches of the Limekiln

    4.0
    1.98 mi / 696 ft gain
    The Limekiln Trails offer up a moderate hike with defined trails, creek crossings, and limited elevation. From the parking area, head east under the canopy of redwoods until you get to the bridge, where there’s a kiosk marking the trail. The three branches are ~0.5 miles each, making it easy to ...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Camping at Limekiln State Park

    4.3
    This campsite is split into two sections and is located directly below a bridge along Route 1 the Pacific Coast Highway. Be cautious turning into the park as the incline and turn are quite serious.Below the bridge are campsites located both along the tree line and tiered up along the hill. Under ...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Big Sur River Gorge

    4.0
    0.36 mi / 56 ft gain
    If you are in the Big Sur area during the summer, exploring the Big Sur River Gorge is a must! The gorge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and your closest parking will be day use parking lot 3. The trailhead to the gorge can be found at the northeast end of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park C...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Kirk Creek Campground

    4.7
    Campsite:There is nothing quite like driving or biking along US-1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Make sure you get a chance to do the drive during the day so that you can see all that Big Sur has to offer. Be careful when pulling off especially onto the shoulder and never stop on a curve in the road...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Cone Peak in Big Sur (Sea to Sky Backpacking Route)

    4.5
    19.72 mi / 7484 ft gain
    While you can make a day-hike out of it by driving up the gorgeous Sur-Nacimiento Road from Highway 1 to the Coast Ridge Road and take a 2 mile trail to the summit with 1300' of elevation gain (4 miles roundtrip), the more adventurous types do a Sea to Sky, starting at Kirk Creek Campground and u...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Pfeiffer Falls

    4.2
    1.39 mi / 341 ft gain
    This trail is a staff favorite at Big Sur. This family-friendly waterfall trail provides only a moderate challenge for young children and older family members. There are two starting points for this hike depending on where you stashed the car. If you’re parked near the gift shop, the head up the ...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

    4.3
    18.96 mi / 7339 ft gain
    The trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop

    2.0
    33.45 mi / 11388 ft gain
    If you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy does of elevation, beautiful primitive camping amon...
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