Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 31
SAND DOLLAR BEACH & JADE COVE
LENGTH AND TYPE: 1-mile out-and-back
RATING: Easy
TRAIL CONDITION: Clear, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: Rugged cliffs overlook wave-washed coves speckled with veins of jade
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
The Sand Dollar Beach Day-Use Area is on Highway
1, 32.5 miles south of Big Sur Station, 63 miles south of Carmel, 0.1 mile north of
Plaskett Creek Campground, and 15.1 miles north of Ragged Point ($10 day-use fee).
There are restrooms and water at the trailhead.
TRIP SUMMARY:
This hike begins along open bluffs blanketed in fragrant coastal scrub
and heads south to cliffs overlooking Jade Cove. A steep 100-foot spur descends to a
beach brimming with jade that has been sculpted smooth by the pounding surf. The
trail then doubles back north toward the horseshoe cove at Sand Dollar Beach.
Trip Description
From the west side of the parking lot (90'), clamber up and over a cattle gate in the
fence, then head south beside the planted Monterey cypress trees that shade the lot.
The trail soon turns west toward the south end of
Sand Dollar Beach.
You'll stroll past
open grasslands and low-lying coastal scrub to the dramatic cliffs above
Jade Cove
(0.2 mile, 60'). A short but steep and unstable spur leads down to the cove. Be aware
of poison oak as you scurry down this spur.
