Limekiln Creek
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| | Raps:3-5, max ↨150ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 23 Apr 2022
"On a warm spring day (61F forecast from weather.gov) the water was pleasant for most of the day. We packed light wetsuits, and although we didnt use |
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| Best season: | BEST in Spring
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36.0368, -121.5029
36.0137, -121.5274
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Introduction[edit]
Limekiln Creek is a strenuous and rewarding excursion, with spectacular views, crystal clear water, and a short but fun technical section. This route is only worth it if you enjoy difficult approaches. The route includes off-trail sections with steep slopes and dense bushwhacking. Poison oak was frequent, but could usually be avoided. Although it was passable in Spring 2022, the approach and descent may be obstructed by future growths as the landscape recovers from the Dolan Fire. Big Sur trail conditions also change frequently, so check the status of the Stone Ridge Trail and Twitchell Elevator on the Ventana Wilderness Alliance forums.
Approach[edit]
From the parking area, hike up the Twitchell Elevator until it intersects Stone Ridge Trail, then follow the ridge up. At about 3700' elevation, start traversing East and down into the adjacent drainage. Once you cross the drainage, begin contouring up the East face of the drainage until you hit the ridge. At this point, follow the ridgeline up through some dense scrub until it opens up into grass again. Descend the ridgeline West into the creek, taking care to avoid the cliff sections by staying close to the map track.
Descent[edit]
Trees growing in the canyon provide plentiful anchoring options. For the 150' falls at R3, the Alder tree overhanging the drop provides is an ideal anchor. The edge is slippery, so consider rigging a traverse line to help people approach.
All raps were double-stranded, so don’t expect any webbing pre-placed. If you can do so safely, consider using ghosting techniques to keep the canyon pristine.
Exit[edit]
Keep an eye out for the Stone Ridge Trail down canyon right. Climb this route until you intersect with the Twitchell Elevator, then return to the parking lot the way you came in.
An alternative exit would be to continue down Limekiln Creek, which would add Limekiln Falls as well as a few possible small rappels. However, this would require exiting through Limekiln State Park, which is currently closed to the public. This route hasn't been scouted, but when Limekiln reopens somebody might want to give it a look.
Red tape[edit]
As of Spring 2022 the trails are open, but closures are frequent in Big Sur, so check independently. All trails in Limekiln State Park are currently closed.