Form AllTrails: This is an "11.5-mile out-and-back trail" from Memorial Park in the Los Padres National Forest to the summit of Junipero Serra Peak. "Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 33 min to complete. It is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are February through November."  Few birders have made this hike, but there is a stand of Sugar Pines near the top, which is a rare habitat in the county [only Cone Peak has similar habitat].

Cone Peak, with its Sugar Pines and generally easier access [when the road is open; currently the road is closed from fires and floods], typically has Dusky Flycatcher, Purple Martin, "Audubon's" Warbler, and a chance for Mountain Chickadee and Flammulated Owl in summer. All these same species have been recorded on Junipero Serra Peak in past decades. Also listen for Black-chinned Sparrows in recently burned areas, In fall of winter, vagrant Townsend's Solitaire might occur.

Junipero Serra Peak is 5862 ' elevation [1787 m), and is the highest peak in Monterey County. It is reached by a long trail that gains over 4000 feet elevation.