Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 15
BLUFFS, SPRING, PANORAMA, & RIDGE TRAILS
LENGTH AND TYPE: 8.4-mile loop
RATING: Moderate
TRAIL CONDITION: Well maintained, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: Spectacular views of marble mountains and secluded coves awash in foamy surf
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
From the park's entrance kiosk, continue straight to the
picnic area. The route begins at the bridge across the Big Sur. You'll need to follow the
first mile of the Beach Trail to reach the Bluffs Trail junction.
TRIP SUMMARY:
This hike leads to an idyllic cove at the west end of the Spring Trail,
where the sand is tinged with pink and purple hues. The return along the Panorama
and Ridge Trails promises spectacular views as you cross golden grasslands and pass
beneath robust redwoods, oaks, and bays. Seals and sea otters feed in the nearshore
kelp forests, raptors soar overhead, rabbits and lizards scurry into the brush, and elu-
sive bobcats slink past the trails.
Trip Description
From the picnic area, cross the
Big Sur River
on the narrow footbridge. In winter the
bridge is removed so steelhead trout can migrate upstream—expect a knee- to waist-
high wade. After heavy winter storms, the river may be too swift to cross. If you prefer
to stay dry or cannot cross, take the
Trail Camp Trail
to the beach.
Once across the Big Sur, turn right and head west on the
Beach Trail
alongside
Creamery Meadow.
About a mile down the trail on your left, just before you reach
Molera Beach,
you'll meet the
Bluffs Trail junction,
which heads southeast along the
edge of a marine terrace.
The trail begins with a half dozen stairs and a steep 100-yard climb atop bluffs
formed by uplifted marine terraces. Pause to watch stout waves slam into the boulder-
strewn beach. A spur on the right skirts the cliffs for daunting views, then loops back to
the main trail. At this point (1.2 miles, 50') the trail widens into a road, leaving plenty
of room for passing hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
The Bluffs Trail is a kaleidoscopic experience, a blend of glistening blue ocean,
golden grasses, rich rust-colored earth, and coastal brush in varying hues of green, yel-
low, orange, and purple. The trail crosses two small gullies, dry in all but the wettest
months of the year. Bicyclists are not allowed past the second gully, as posted on a
