California whitewater - Nacimiento River, Santa Lucia Range, Monterey County

Monterey county, Hunter Liggett to Turtle Creek section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.

 

CLASS I-III     15 miles
 
I have lived on this portion of the river for 15 years. Although you could probaly put a canoe in the river on Fort Hunter Ligget with permission from Range Control, it would be very difficult to get past the rock formations at the Shut In. There is no public access to the Nacimiento River near Turtle Creek. One would have to go all the way to Lake Nacimiento to find a legal exit. Surface flow usually stops around the end of June, and the river turns into a series of pools. Even when the water is flowing in the spring, there are significantly long sections
    that would require one to portage. If one were to attempt this trip, they will be walking more than paddling, and it would be a very long day. Says Keith Richards

Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in California are harder than the national norm, so if you're visiting
here do keep in mind that quite a few of the sections here are not easy. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with not too many other places for that. And of course, there are campgrounds nearby. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. A good workout and a chance to spend some time outdoors have people coming from far and near. You can enjoy this stretch more if you take your time, so pack your camp stove.  
Nacimiento River doesn't have a lot of paddling sections, the Hunter Liggett to Turtle Creek section is the only one. The Hunter Liggett to Turtle Creek section of Nacimiento River in California is 15 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class I-III section. The nature scenery of Monterey County and the sparkling of the sunlight on the water make the trip here worthwhile. The river winds through the Santa Lucia Range and you get great scenery.

Briefly about the general area:
Near Nacimiento River you come across The Shut-in which is a great place to explore. All through the warm days of summer at Nacimiento River temperatures are usually in the 80's. When the night sets in temperatures fall down into the 50's. Highs all through the winter are mostly in the 60's, and winter nights come with lows in the 30's to Nacimiento River. Around Nacimiento River you don’t get a lot of precipitation; January is the month that gets the most rain; the driest month is July.

Nacimiento River, Hunter Liggett to Turtle Creek road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.

QUICK STATS
AW Class: I-III
Length: 15 miles
  
Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 35.8782
Longitude: -121.21531

Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 35.79859
Longitude: -121.10691

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Current weather conditions at Nacimiento River, Santa Lucia Range, California
WXPort

Local climate location: KING CITY 16 miles away


RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS

There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.

San Simeon Lodge, San Simeon
13 miles away
Located in a resort area, San Simeon Lodge is the closest hotel to Hearst Castle. The property is across from the San Simeon Beach on the beautiful central coast. The hotel is just 3 miles north of ...

Courtesy Inn San Simeon, San Simeon
13 miles away
The Courtesy Inn offers the largest indoor pool and spa in the area. We also offer a free continental breakfast every morning. All of our rooms are remodeled including new 27' televisions, furniture, ...

Quality Inn San Simeon, San Simeon
13 miles away
Experience elegant county charm in San Simeon/Canbria. At the Gateway ot Hearst Castle, this quaint hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms. Jacuzzi and family suites also available. Courtyard roo...



OTHER_INFO
  Santa Lucia Range Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Santa Lucia Range.

Santa Lucia Range Outdoors Info
Complete outdoors info for the Santa Lucia Range.

All California Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in California.
Books about whitewater paddling on Nacimiento River, California
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Nacimiento River, California.
Find a whitewater outfitter in California

Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, California
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, California, the metro area neareast to Nacimiento River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
 

   

OUTDOORS
These outdoors activities are available near Nacimiento River.
 Whitewater Near Nacimiento River:
San Antonio, Monterey County , 15 miles away, Class II - 10.7 miles long (Above and down to Mission San Antonio de Padua)
Arroyo Seco River, Monterey County , 29 miles away, Class III - 14.5 miles long (Arroyo Seco Picnic Area to Route G16 bridge)
 Hotels Near Nacimiento River:
San Simeon Lodge, San Simeon , 13 miles away
Courtesy Inn San Simeon, San Simeon , 13 miles away
Quality Inn San Simeon, San Simeon , 13 miles away
Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon , 13 miles away
Silver Surf Motel, San Simeon , 13 miles away
 Camp Grounds Near Nacimiento River:
Elk Campground, Monterey County, 7 miles away
Lottie Potrero Campground, Monterey County, 7 miles away
San Carpoforo Campground, Monterey County, 8 miles away
 National Parks Near Nacimiento River:
Pinnacles National Monument, Paicines - CA , 41 miles away

Outdoors related information copyright © Stratus-Pikpuk, Inc. - Detailed hotel information copyright © Interactive Hotel Solutions
Some content, including Reach Name, Class, and Length, comes from American Whitewater