#1 The Big Sur River
Gorge
The classic trip for everyone person who
grew anywhere near Big Sur, the Gorge is a summer haven for everyone from
the young cannabis inclined to old couples with their grandkids. Only a short hike from the parking lot,
the Gorge is always a little different each time that you go (R.I.P the rope
swing) and had a year or two post-fires when the swimming hole was pretty
devastated, but it is slowly growing back to its former glory. The Gorge has something for everyone,
and if you are camping/staying in Big Sur, make sure you take a day/half a day
and experience this local treasure.
Late spring/early summer is best for the optimal heat/water height
proportion. Summer weekends are usually very
crowded.
Directions: From
Rio Road in Carmel it is 26.8 miles South on Highway 1 (some of the most
beautiful coastline in the world).
Enter at Julia Pfeiffer State Park (locals hint: veer right after
entering the park towards where it says “Lodge Guests”. Drive by as if you know what you are
doing and you can skip out on the entrance fee. I may have done this 10+ times at least, and never gotten in
trouble. DO AT YOUR OWN RISK).
After you are past the gate, come to the first stop sign, and veer left
at they Y-intersection. Go for a
while until you hit a dead end/parking lot. Park here, and head up the hill along the fire road. When you hit the campground/river, go
up the river (through the campground) and you will come to a trail. This trail dies out after awhile, so
just scramble/find your way (or follow someone who looks like they have been
there before). The main swimming
hole is only about a mile from the parking lot. For a bigger adventure, swim past the main swimming hole and go explore up the river!
#2 Partington Cove
A
well-kept secret of Big Sur, Partington Cove is a steep hike down a fire road,
through an old “smuggler’s” tunnel (apparently built during Prohibition for
illicit purpose...although I cannot verify that this is true), and into a beautiful
cove, ending at a wooden bench. If
you are up for a little more risky challenge, continue on the hiker-made trail
to the right to some fund tide pooling, scrambling, and even a few boulder
problems. Great secluded spot for
a romantic dinner while watching the sunset. Also, there is access to a small beach if you take the trail right at the Y.
Directions
(obtained from hikinginbigsur.com):
“The Partington Cove Trail starts at
a large pullout in a sweeping bend on the inland side of Highway 1. You can
park on either side of the highway—on the west side there is the road down to
Partington Cove with a gate at top.
The pullout is just 2 miles north of
the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park turnoff, or 54.6 miles north of the Hearst
Castle turnoff.
Travelling south on Highway 1, the pullout is 9
miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Entrance or exactly 6 miles south of
Nepenthe Restaurant.”
#3 Granite Creek/Canyon
A
very cool secluded spot to just hang out and scramble, or for the more
bouldering-minded, there are a few highball problems (for more information
check out http://www.supertopo.com/bouldering/Bay-Area-Bouldering-Granite-Creek
and http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_
California_Coast/Big_Sur/Granite_Creek/). There are a few TR bolts that you can
walk to, but I cannot attest to the quality of these. The best climbing is located in a small “canyon” with walls
about 15-25 feet high. Landings
are sketchy so make sure you bring enough crash pads and a few spotters. Watch for the tide coming in when you
are down there…I have almost lost a crash pad to a rapidly rising tide. Some good tide pools in the area, just
a fun place to explore, stop on your way down to Big Sur, or on the way back.
Directions: Starting
in Carmel, the Granite Creek Bridge is about 8 miles south. The trail is located at the third
turnout on the right after the bridge. The trail is not well maintained so be careful as you
descend. Easy 5.4 scramble into
the canyon…not an ideal place for kids or those not able to do some
scrambling. Safety Reminder:
always be aware of the ocean and remember that tides can rise very quickly, so do not be caught off
guard.
#4 River Raft Pfeiffer
State Park to the River Inn
Another
classic trip that I enjoyed growing up while camping at Big Sur Campground and
Cabins. Rent inner tubes at the
little store of Big Sur Campground and Cabins, have someone drop you off right
across the street from Pfeiffer State Park, and enjoy the trip down to the
River Inn where you can grab some burritos or maybe a drink at the local pub. Make sure you find a day that the water
is high enough (nothing worse than constantly getting stuck and having to
walk), and a day that is warm enough.
Wear shoes/sandals that can get wet, and make sure to stop at the
swimming holes along the way to do some cliff (really more large boulder)
jumping. You know you are at the River Inn when you see chairs in the river (see picture) For a longer trip, just
keep going all the way to the ocean (note: this can take a really long time).
Directions: Park
at the turnout on the right side of the road just across the street from
Pfeiffer State Park (same entrance as for the Big Sur Gorge Trip). Pick up at the River Inn (just north of
Big Sur Campground and Cabins and south of Andrew Molera State Park).
#5 Soberanes Hike
Something
for everyone whether you want a gentle hike to a shaded redwood grove or a
strenuous trek for some incredible views, Soberanes is the place to go. There are two trails here: The
Soberanes Canyon Trail is a relatively mild 1.7 mile hike to a redwood grove,
with a few options on how to get there.
The Rocky Ridge trail is longer (3.2 miles, plus the 1.7 of the Soberanes
Canyon Trail if you do the full loop, 4.9 total, see map), and has nearly 1,700
feet elevation gain over about 2 miles.
The full loop is definitely the recommended hike, especially on a clear
day because of the incredible view, and then the descent into the tranquil
redwood grove. Bring lunch and make a day of it. More info can be found here:
Note: There is also the option of hiking on the west side of
the road, the trail starts at the turnout and does a gentle hike right along
the coast that loops around back to the beginning. 
Directions: About
7.1 miles from Rio Road in Carmel, you will see large turnouts on both sides of
Highway 1, and a gate with signs denoting the trail. You will know you are in the right spot if there is a large
barn-like structure very close to the trailhead.
Runner Ups:
McWay Falls
Jade Beach
Ewoldsen Trail
Sykes Hot Springs
Point Lobos
http://www.adventureprotocol.com/
Post a comment below with any places that you think belong in this list.
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