Trail: Manzana Creek Trail to Manzana Camp Distance: 16.6 miles out-and-back Elevation: 2,779 ft. Location: San Rafael Wilderness, CA Permits: A California campfire permit is required for stove use. Trip Date: March 2024
Even after research, treatment, and awareness, I am pretty sure that the tick experience I encountered on my Big Sur backpacking trip last month has me officially traumatized. I knew there were ticks on this hike, so I read about the trail reviews. I was prepared. I wore long sleeves, treated my clothing and gear with permethrin, and even carried a small can of Picardian with me on my one night in Los Padres National Forest. Yet- after 4 ticks in 2-miles, I just wasn’t having it. Fun, that is.
I backpacked the Manzana Creek Trail many many years ago. I remember the creek crossings, the well-maintained trail, and all of the cute little backcountry campsites that are available for backpackers. I do not remember there being an issue with ticks, but I was just a beginner backpacker then with little to no knowledge of ticks. So, when I researched backpacking trips for March 2024, Manzana Creek and San Rafael Wilderness were high on my list. I opted for the Eastern Hurricane Deck Loop and Manzana Creek Trail. I love an extended loop hike, so this would be fun. Until I was fully aware of the overgrown bush-whacking trail I had to make my way through to camp.
The climb on Lost Canyon Trail to Hurricane Deck was tough. Difficult because of the bushwhacking, the trail being overgrown, and, of course, the ticks. So naturally, I bailed. I backtracked 2 miles hopped on the Manzana Creek trail and decided to make my way to Manzana Creek Narrows. As many times as I have previously hiked this trail, I never quite made it to the Narrows site, so this would still be a new adventure.
We love a maintained trail, and the Manzana Creek trail is a favorable trail for that exact reason. Within the first 1.3 miles, we reach the first backcountry campsite, Lost Valley. Each campsite is equipped with a table, a fire ring, and a shovel. A California campfire permit is required for campfires and stoves. At 3.9 miles from the trailhead is Fish Creek Camp. At 6.8 miles from the trailhead is Rays Camp. This is the furthest I’ve ever made it, so I stopped here for lunch before continuing. At 8.3 miles from the trailhead is Manzana Camp, which is where I stopped for the night. I did hike up to the Manzana Creek Narrows site, but it appeared to be overgrown, with fallen trees everywhere. It didn’t look very inviting, so I backtracked about 1 mile to Manzana Creek camp, and it was wonderful.
I arrived with a few hours of sunlight left and wasn’t too sure if there would be any other hikers showing up that evening. I hadn’t seen anyone else on trail that day, besides two ladies who continued on past Manzana Camp. It was a very peaceful evening. Camping near a creek is always nice. I slept for about 12 hours before the sun came out. Enjoyed a cup of coffee before packing up and heading out.
It was a short trip, but I enjoyed my time. It was a great reminder that not all adventures need to be extreme, and it’s nice to be able to soak it all in.
awesome! Thanks for sharing your trip. I’m looking to head out here soon and haven’t been in a bout 9 years.
It’s probably been about 9 years since I last hiked this trail too! Felt great to be back! Happy trails! 🙂