Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Just before the main trail turns left up a steep rise, a narrow
spur
(0.4 mile, 360')
branches right to enter the redwood-shaded gully. The spur traverses the gully past
redwoods and fragrant bay trees to open oak woodlands. At trail's end, a majestic oak
tops a grassy knoll, a peaceful spot to picnic, offering views south along the
Big Sur
River,
north to
Point Sur Lighthouse,
and west to
Molera Beach.
From the spur junction, continue up the road to your left, where the ascent
quickly turns strenuous, climbing nearly 1000 feet in about a mile. The trail switch-
backs and climbs directly up a ridge. After a steep climb east, the trail ascends another
ridge. From here you can see the redwood saddle, less than 0.1 mile away. The views
only improve, and hints of even better ones urge you on.
The final 0.1 mile gradually ascends grassy slopes that in spring are blanketed in
the deep purple and orange hues of abundant lupines and poppies. The trail ends on
a
ridge crest
(1.6 miles, 1550') amid towering redwoods, which seem blatantly out
of place. The cool shade is a blessing, especially after strenuous hikes on hot summer
days. In summer, fog may obscure the view, but in spring and fall you'll likely be re-
warded with stunning views. Northeast is the narrow
South Fork Little Sur River
canyon and the massive marble
Pico Blanco,
southeast lies the
Big Sur River
water-
shed, and the park stretches south and southwest to the Pacific. When you're rested,
head back down the trail.
NORTH MEETS SOUTH
Northern and southern biogeographical regions converge in Andrew Molera State
Park, forming a kind of suture zone with sharp differences in vegetation. Canyons
filled with redwoods, lush ferns and mosses, slithering salamanders, and chatty
winter wrens lie adjacent to semiarid grasslands dotted with yuccas, scurrying allig-
ator lizards, and rufous-crowned sparrows. This blend of distinct zones, along with
the park's mild climate, topographic diversity, and proximity to the ocean, supports a
remarkable 17 distinct plant communities.
If you'd like to hike farther, the trail continues up an overgrown
fire road.
Head-
ing southeast, this road stretches 2 miles to the park boundary, marked by an old fence
line, then climbs through Forest Service land another 1.25 miles to
Post Summit.
Be
aware that the summit trail is steep, overgrown, and hard to follow. Diehards will be
rewarded with spectacular views of the coast, the
Little Sur River
drainage basin,
and the crags of
Ventana Double Cone.
The rocky gorge below shelters a pristine
stand of Santa Lucia firs, endemic only to the Santa Lucia Range.
