Yes Sur!

Hike Big Sur Garrapata State Park

10.13.2015

A hidden coastal hike in Big Sur, a beautiful beach, and maybe a little wine-tasting afterwards? Sounds like a plan! First, the hike. Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugging beauty with little-known trails leading to a Big Sur_plus_ of vistas. Located just 7 miles from Carmel, it's easy to pass by this gem en route to other Big Sur destinations, so a lot of people miss out. Don't let the parking area just off Highway 1 fool you; you'll soon feel worlds away from traffic on this 2-mile (round-trip) oceanside rambler with nonstop views of Big Sur's epic coastline that you just can't see from a car.

Winding along the bluffs above the Pacific, yet close enough to feel a cooling sea breeze and some mist from waves churning below, this lollipop loop sweeps the scenery from the Santa Lucia Mountains all the way down a long a stretch of Big Sur's coast. There's a beautiful vantage of the sparkling ocean surrounding tiers of rocky sea castles, and hulking cliffs ashore loom like lords over the Pacific. Flocks of pelicans favor the skies here, flapping in formation with a little help from salt-tinged breezes. The trail eventually loops back inland for a brief stretch, with a short 50-foot detour climb to the apex of Whale Peak for a huge panorama that, true to its name, is an ideal place for spotting whales during migration season. Back in your car, a 1.5-mile drive south brings you to the highway pullout for (dog-friendly!) Garrapata State Beach. Sets of stairways lead down to this huge soft sandy beach with abundant enclaves for relaxing (during a rainy season, a waterfall forms at the north end).

BONUS: Top off the afternoon with some walkable wine-tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Lively tasting rooms decorate the streets of this European-style hamlet. We like Scheid Vineyards Tasting Room (San Carlos St. and 7th Ave.), where an estate flight is a reasonable $10 per person and the new release Triple Layer Red makes a lovely way to finish the day.

Park in a turnout for Garrapata State Park located along the side of Hwy. 1. The turnout to reach the trailhead for the Soberanes Point Trails loop is found just after mile marker 66.00. It's the second parking area after this mile marker, and it comes up fast. No dogs on the hiking trails. Garrapata State Beach is dog-friendly! Carmel-by-Sea tasting rooms are dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View

  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View

  3. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View