Prewitt Loop Trail

Prewitt Loop Trail (Trail #5E06) is a long hiking loop in Monterey County’s Los Padres National Forest. Publicly reported distance is roughly 7.9 to 11.4 miles depending on how you choose to thread the route’s maze of faint sections and alternates.

Expect climbing that stacks up quickly: elevation gain is reported at over 3,000 feet, and the overall character is commonly rated strenuous / hard. The loop reaches steep terrain on and around Prewitt Ridge and then drops back toward Highway 1.

The route has a signature ridge experience on Prewitt Ridge: it climbs to exposed, open overlooks above the Pacific, with broad lines of sight toward nearby coastal landmarks. Conditions on the ridge are reported as sun- and wind-exposed, with little shade.

Trail quality varies a lot around the loop. Multiple reports describe sections that are heavily brushy and overgrown, with downed trees, washouts, and places where the tread becomes missing or very hard to keep in view—so navigation is a major part of making progress.

Water and camps show up as notable waypoints rather than guaranteed services: Kelly Camp and Stag Camp are referenced as camping areas along the route, and water is discussed in connection with the mid-to-upper loop (including a trough/spring area in the grassy section before Stag Camp).

Wildlife and small hazards are recurring themes. Several reports flag poison oak in multiple stretches, and at least some hikers report high tick concentrations during warmer months; the exposed ridge also means you’ll be dealing with elements more directly than in the forested lower segments.

Route planning matters because the loop can get extremely difficult beyond certain junctions. Community reports include attempts that turned back at missing tread or brush choke points, especially past Stag Camp toward the next sections of the loop.

More information: Prewitt Loop Trail - Ventana Wilderness Forums, Ventana Wilderness Forums - Prewitt Loop Trail - Page 3 - 8904, Prewitt Ridge & South Coast Ridge - Leor Pantilat's Adventures