Monterey County High Point Trip Report

Junipero Serra Peak

Date: March 7, 2000
Author: Bob Packard

Got adventure pass in King City. Del Ventura Rd closed because of flooded stream crossing. Used dirt road by-pass and camped at Lucia Trailhead evening of March 6. Very bad weather, low visibility, snow up high. But I figured all I'd have to do is follow the trail and post hole some snow near the top.

Met significant snow at about 4500 feet. All went well for a while, but once turning the corner at the 5440 saddle and going around to the north side it got tough. So much snow that the branches of the bushes on the sides of the trail were bent over and frozen together. I had to either crawl on my hands and knees or force the bushes apart. About 200 feet below the summit I lost the trail completely, progress was almost impossible and I had no idea where to go anyway. Gave up. (hours, miles, elevation gain) = (5.75, 11, 3,700 ft).