Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 12
EAST MOLERA TRAIL
LENGTH AND TYPE: 3.2-mile out-and-back
RATING: Strenuous
TRAIL CONDITION: Clear, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: Coastal vistas, sweeping panoramas of the Santa Lucia Range, and a secluded ridge
capped with redwoods
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
Access the trailhead via either Highway 1 or from the
park's official lot.
On Highway 1, the trailhead lies 0.3 mile south of the park entrance road and is
marked by a small, worn wooden cattle chute on the east side of the road. Park at either
of two turnouts, about 0.1 mile north and south of this chute.
If you're starting from the parking lot, plan to hike another 0.6 mile overall. From
the lot, walk up the entrance road 75 feet past the kiosk and take the service road on
your right, which heads southeast toward Molera Trail Rides. Follow this road past the
barn, where you'll find a signed trailhead. The trail parallels the highway, then passes
beneath it through a large culvert. You'll emerge on a dirt road on the east side of the
highway. Follow this road a few yards until you reach the East Molera Trail, which
rises from the highway turnout, crosses the dirt road, and continues uphill.
TRIP SUMMARY:
This trail switchbacks up a sheer hillside to a secluded ridge capped
with redwoods. The 1.6-mile trail reaches 1550 feet, offering sweeping views of the
coast and Santa Lucia Range. Bring plenty of water and a wide-brimmed hat for the
exposed stretch to the ridge, and pack a sweater or windbreaker for the return hike.
Trip Description
The
East Molera Trail
climbs gradually, first beneath the large twisted branches of
coast live oaks and then across open grassland. From its junction with the dirt road (0.1
mile, 180'), the trail up to the redwood saddle is 1.5 miles long with nearly 1500 feet
of elevation gain. Heading left uphill, the trail climbs less than 0.1 mile past a water-
storage tank to rejoin the road. You could stay on the road for a gentler though longer
ascent. Over the next 0.2 mile the trail parallels a narrow band of lush redwoods, bays,
and oaks that shelter in a narrow gully. This gully hosts a small creek in wet months
and channels a ribbon of thick fog in drier months.
