Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trip 60
HIGHWAY 1 TO TERRACE CREEK CAMP
LENGTH AND TYPE: 11.6-mile out-and-back or 12.9-mile loop
RATING: Moderate
TRAIL CONDITION: Clear, poison oak
HIGHLIGHTS: Take in dramatic views of the furrowed Santa Lucia Range above steep coastal canyons
that shelter redwood-flanked creeks.
TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD:
The trailhead is on Highway 1 at gated Coast Ridge Road
(North Coast Ridge Road on the USFS map) beside the Ventana Inn. The inn is on the
east side of Highway 1, 2.2 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and 10 miles
north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Drive 0.1 mile along the inn entrance road to
the public parking area on your left, for day use only. If you're planning to camp, you
must park at one of the turnouts along Highway 1 adjacent to the entrance road. From
the parking area, walk up the entrance road till it forks. The left branch climbs past the
restaurant, while the right branch leads to the gated trailhead.
TRIP SUMMARY:
This 5.8-mile route along Coast Ridge Road and Terrace Creek Trail
to Terrace Creek Camp can be approached as either an out-and-back or loop trip. You
could continue east along the Pine Ridge Trail to swimming holes at the riverside Bar-
low Flat, Sykes, and Redwood Camps or return 5.3 miles to Big Sur Station via the
westbound Pine Ridge Trail (see
TRIP 59 Sykes & Redwood Camps
)
. The latter route
finishes with a 1.7-mile stroll south on Highway 1 to the inn. Though a strenuous day
hike, the loop makes a pleasant weekend trip. To avoid excessive elevation gain and
end on a moderate downhill gradient, consider starting from Big Sur Station.
From Coast Ridge Road, you'll climb more than 1500 feet and traverse a spectac-
ular ridge crest. The Terrace Creek Trail closely follows its namesake's banks as the
creek builds to support a narrow strip of redwoods. Temperatures drop as you descend
the lush canyon through an oasis of ferns, fungi, and mosses to redwood-shaded Ter-
race Creek Camp.
The best times to hike this route are in winter and spring, when the swollen creek
cascades past verdant new growth. Spring paints the flanks of Coast Ridge with abund-
ant poppies, lupines, baby blue eyes, and myriad other emerging wildflowers. In sum-
mer, cool Terrace Creek canyon offers respite from the sweltering heat, though views
along Coast Ridge Road disappear beneath a thick blanket of fog.
