Big Sur

Welcome to the wild, untamed edge of the North American continent. You have arrived in Big Sur, a spectacularly rugged stretch of the central California coastline where the formidable Santa Lucia Mountains plunge precipitously…

Our walking route begins near the Big Sur Station, the administrative heart of the valley, where we find the Ventana Wildlife Society's Discovery Center. As you approach this modest but incredibly significant facility, consider…

Departing the visitor center area, we transition smoothly into the dense, awe inspiring heart of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Notice immediately how the environment undergoes a radical transformation. …

Emerging slightly from the densest part of the redwood grove, our path now aligns closely with the gentle, winding course of the Big Sur River. This vibrant waterway is the absolute lifeblood of the valley, a dynamic geological…

Having followed the gentle grade of the river, we now arrive at the trailhead for Pfeiffer Falls, where the physical demands of our journey will notably increase. This two mile round trip trail represents one of the most popular…

We have reached the triumphant culmination of our inland ascent: Pfeiffer Falls. Tucked securely within the tight, rocky confines of the upper canyon, this majestic sixty foot waterfall presents a striking and intimate natural…

Having descended from the steep, enclosed canyons of the state park, we now transition a few miles downriver to enter the vast, dramatically different landscape of Andrew Molera State Park. Covering nearly five thousand acres,…

As we progress along the sandy, sunlit path of the Headlands Trail within Andrew Molera State Park, we encounter a structure of profound historical significance: the Cooper Cabin. Standing quietly amidst the tall grasses and…

Our extended walking journey reaches its dramatic, elemental conclusion as the Headlands Trail finally yields to the wide, windswept sands of Andrew Molera Beach. Here, the Big Sur River, which we have followed from the deep,…

As we stand here at the edge of the immense Pacific Ocean, with the formidable Santa Lucia Mountains towering at our backs, it is time to draw our thoughts together and reflect upon the profound journey we have just undertaken.…