Palo Corona, Spanish for "Wood Crown" or Wooden Crown" is at almost 3000 ft. elevation and considered as the "Gateway to the Big Sur". It is the northernmost prominent peak of the Santa Lucia Range.

The peak itself is just outside the boundary of Garrapata State Park. Garrapata State Park is a popular destination for tourists, but few people are venturous enough to reach is farthest, uppermost regions.
The parks name, Garrapata, which means "ticks" is well named, due to the grassy area being ideal tick habitat. (take that as a warning)

Maps are available at the trailhead.

The peak is also accessible from the east at Middledorf Preserve(within Rancho San Carlos) and Palo Corona Ranch (Trailhead located at first left after crossing the Carmel River southbound on highway 1), but special permission is needed from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.

Trail Information
(special thanks to Touchstone from the Geocachers of the Bay area)

Mileage: ~11 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet

Trailhead Coordinates: N 36 27.265 W121 55.428

Trail Log: From the trailhead coordinates, you will follow the trail beyond the gate to a stream crossing (Sobranes Creek). After the bridge, the trail forks. Depending on your plans you could take either trail. The one on the right goes up the beautiful and popular Sobranes Canyon. The left, and more direct route follows the Rocky Ridge Trail. Both trails meet about two miles up, so either way you'll have a great hike.

Sobranes Canyon/Rocky Ridge Trail Junction (N36 28.185 W121 54.435): After two miles of hiking and just under 2,000 feet of climbing on a very well maintained trail (by Big Sur standards), the two trails meet up. The vast majority of hikers make the loop hike up the canyon and down the ridge, but a fainter track will lead up the ridge further to your next destination: Doud Peak.

Doud Peak (N36 28.270 W121 53.831): This marks the end of the maintained trail part of the hike. From here, an indistinct path continues over the top of Doud Peak and down the other side. Follow the faint path down to the saddle between Doud and the start of the ridge that leads to the summit of Palo Corona. Abandoned ranch roads and cow paths are the only "trail" you'll find on the next section. Stay on the crest of the ridge until you get to a fairly steep hill with an old road that cuts off to the left.

Old Ranch Road (N36 27.712 W121 52.512): Follow the ranch road leading left through the oaks. This will skirt the steepest part of the hill and lead to another old road that will come up the hill from the North. Steep in places, but better than the alternative of hiking straight up the grassy slope. On top of the small hill you will find two picnic benches.

Picnic Benches (N36 27.628 W121 52.339): An excellent place for a rest and maybe a bite to eat. The views from here are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, an unbroken view of the Monterey Bay can be enjoyed. When you're done with your rest, shoulder your pack and continue up the road. There's one or two places where old roads lead off left, but I found it better to stay on the more direct roads. There were a couple of steep sections, but nothing impossibly so. From the picnic benches to the summit is about 3/4 of a mile.

Getting There

The parking area for Garrapata State Park can be reached by driving ~10 miles south of Monterey along Highway 1.
Parking is available at the trailhead coordinates and all along highway 1 around Soberanes Point.

Red Tape

Even though the peak lays just outside the park (no fees or permits needed for the park) Palo Corona is on Regional Park Land and a permit is needed and can be granted at this site:
http://www.mprpd.org/parks/palocorona.htm
Permission is free and the process is pretty quick and simple.
Most people I've heard from dont bother with getting the permit since it seems to not be enforced, but it is advised.

No camping is allowed in the park or reserve.
No dogs allowed.

External Links

http://www.ventanawild.org