Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 13
RIVER TRAIL LOOP
LENGTH AND TYPE: 4-mile loop
RATING: Easy
TRAIL CONDITION: Well maintained, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: This oasis within the Big Sur River canyon offers a chance for a refreshing dip in a natur-
al swimming hole.
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
From the park's official parking lot, walk up the entrance
road 75 feet past the kiosk and turn right on the road toward Molera Trail Rides and the
Ventana Wilderness Society. Considered the start of the Bobcat Trail, this road leads
0.3 mile to a horse corral. From there the trail narrows and follows the river.
TRIP SUMMARY:
Skirting crystal clear water amid a verdant canyon, these riverside
trails promise a wonderful year-round stroll. In fall a radiant display of sycamore,
maple, alder, and cottonwood leaves brightens the river's course. Following winter
storms, the 15-mile Big Sur River provides critical habitat for steelhead trout and a
variety of other wildlife. In spring new life abounds, as bare golden hills sprout carpets
of blooming wildflowers. Summer welcomes perfect weather for a picnic and swim.
Trip Description
From the trailhead at the horse corral, the
Bobcat Trail
narrows and begins a gentle
climb alongside the
Big Sur River,
passing dense thickets of blackberry and poison
oak. These are often mistaken for one another due to their similar three-leaf arrange-
ment (blackberries have thorny stems). At the first
junction
(0.1 mile, 150'), a spur
leads right (south) to the river. If you prefer an easy 1-mile loop, this spur leads to the
River Trail,
then back to the parking lot. The spur heads upstream a few feet, crosses
the river, climbs the south bank, and eventually joins the River Trail. From there walk
downstream to the parking lot.
Back at the junction, another short spur climbs east to a Highway 1 parking
turnout, 0.75 mile south of the park entrance road. For the next 0.1 mile the Bobcat
Trail parallels Highway 1, which drowns out the river and birdsong. The trail soon
leaves the highway and emerges at an open meadow (1 mile, 150'). Large yellow and
purple lupine bushes dot the meadow amid a colorful tapestry of California poppies,
shooting stars, Indian paintbrush, blue dicks, and wild oats. Deer often graze here at
dawn and dusk.
