Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A natural symphony of seals barking, creeks gurgling, and waves pounding is common
along the 4 miles of rocky shoreline and wave-washed sandy coves in Garrapata State Park.
The trail meanders south and then west past dramatic views of a rocky shoreline
pounded continuously by foamy surf. You'll soon turn east past a small isolated cove
and an overlook south to Garrapata Beach. A spur veers left to
turnout 17A
(0.3 mile,
40'), while the main trail continues south past another spur, this one to
turnout 18
(0.5 mile, 40'). From here you'll descend to a narrow canyon carved by
Doud Creek
(0.6 mile, 10'). Cross the creek and head south, either farther along the headlands or
across
Garrapata State Beach.
Beyond the creek, the bluff trail climbs and curls east a few paces to the spur
for
turnout 19
(0.8 mile, 30'). Past this spur, the main trail descends west to emerge
on the south end of Garrapata State Beach (1 mile). Pause to appreciate its timeless
beauty before heading back the way you came.
