Carmel to Big Sur Station and back report with photos 6/10/2017
Jun 10th, 2017, 05:46 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Carmel to Big Sur Station and back report with photos 6/10/2017
Hearing reports of how relatively quiet Big Sur has been lately, we decided to brave a drive down Hwy 1 on a Saturday morning and it was a gorgeous day for it.
I took photos along the way to show what's open and closed pix.sfly.com/SBBC_NbX throwing in an old photo from the patio of Rocky Point Restaurant at the beginning of the album (their gate doesn't open until 11am). The view is looking south toward Rocky Creek Bridge. The few times we've eaten there in the past we thought the food quality was fine considering the location but our visits haven't been very recent. It's perched on the cliff side over the ocean about 12 miles south of Carmel.
OK back to the start of the drive, there's signage at various points as you drive south indicating the highway closure. Passing Monastery Beach (the southernmost one at Carmel River State Beach) there's fairly new fencing aimed at funneling people past the warning signs. The warning signs also now have red flags. This is our most dangerous beach and there was a drowning just earlier this year.
We skipped past Point Lobos as we go there often.
Our first stop was at Garrapata State Park to see if the trail work at Soberanes Point on the west side of the highway was done. It was still closed but there's a maybe quarter mile trail to the right where you can get a photo of Whale Peak. It looks like they're installing stairs to the peak and hopefully they'll be finished soon. Parking is at turnouts that aren't really signed. It will be nice once the trail work is completed. On the inland side of the highway are the trail heads for the closed Soberanes Canyon/Rocky Ridge hike. From what I understand the east side will remain closed at least through December. A few miles farther south is Garrapata Beach which is the only currently accessible beach south of Point Lobos. There's a sign near the start of the trail that leads to steps down to the beach. You can also continue along trails on the bluff above the beach https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=579
I stopped for the obligatory Bixby Bridge and Point Sur Lighthouse photos where there was a fortuitous turkey vulture photo bomb
Point Sur Lighthouse is open for guided tours but there are limited days/times when they're offered and the tours last 3 hours http://pointsur.org/ We still haven't done it but a friend who took the tour recently said it was very good.
We turned around at Big Sur Station and then headed to Pfeiffer Big Sur https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570 A black tailed deer was walking across day use lot 1 as we drove in. We decided to walk everything that's currently open plus part of the campground which is open on a first come, first serve basis through the end of June. It appeared that there were plenty of sites still available on a Saturday morning. Reservations for July onward have been available for a while so are pretty booked. The campground was very peaceful.
The longest trail that's open right now is 1.5 miles one way and ends at the Fernwood campground and cabins. It starts along the Buzzard's Roost trail and goes under the highway. Most of it follows the Big Sur River through redwoods and is a nice, shady easy walk. The redwood deck next to Big Sur Lodge is open as well as the lodge itself and the rest of the short trails form a loop between the lodge and day use parking lots. We left around 11am and the two currently open lots had relatively few cars.
On our way home we stopped for brunch at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. California Market and Pacific's Edge have been merged into the same space that was formerly just Pacific's Edge on the same level as reception. The new patio is off to the side and directly over the old California Market space which is now being used as a sales office. The deck isn't huge but we lucked into a table right by the glass railing. The Hyatt is on the inland side of the highway but elevated enough to have a nice view. We enjoyed our dungeness benedict and burger perched above the highway. The view from the restaurant interior isn't too shabby either. Breakfast/brunch/lunch has always been reliably decent here. Our dinner experience a few years back wasn't great and we feel there are places with better food quality considering their dinner price point. The bar/lounge also has great views and offers a bar menu.
Traffic southbound was heavier at mid-day but still not as busy as normal considering it's a sunny Saturday. Point Lobos on the other hand had cars parked along the highway for probably about a mile in each direction. This isn't atypical on weekends but there might be a slight uptick this summer as many people seem to be opting out of driving the full 26 miles of Hwy 1 that's open south of Carmel which is understandable given time constraints so go now before more people realize this is actually a great time to visit!
There are plans for a shuttle to start on July 1st to access businesses south of the bridge with the Pfeiffer Canyon Trail opening to the public http://www.ksbw.com/article/new-big-...-july/10004160 I believe the trail is around half a mile with a 400 ft elevation change. Pics here http://photos.santacruzsentinel.com/...-in-big-sur/#1 http://photos.santacruzsentinel.com/...-in-big-sur/#1
I took photos along the way to show what's open and closed pix.sfly.com/SBBC_NbX throwing in an old photo from the patio of Rocky Point Restaurant at the beginning of the album (their gate doesn't open until 11am). The view is looking south toward Rocky Creek Bridge. The few times we've eaten there in the past we thought the food quality was fine considering the location but our visits haven't been very recent. It's perched on the cliff side over the ocean about 12 miles south of Carmel.
OK back to the start of the drive, there's signage at various points as you drive south indicating the highway closure. Passing Monastery Beach (the southernmost one at Carmel River State Beach) there's fairly new fencing aimed at funneling people past the warning signs. The warning signs also now have red flags. This is our most dangerous beach and there was a drowning just earlier this year.
We skipped past Point Lobos as we go there often.
Our first stop was at Garrapata State Park to see if the trail work at Soberanes Point on the west side of the highway was done. It was still closed but there's a maybe quarter mile trail to the right where you can get a photo of Whale Peak. It looks like they're installing stairs to the peak and hopefully they'll be finished soon. Parking is at turnouts that aren't really signed. It will be nice once the trail work is completed. On the inland side of the highway are the trail heads for the closed Soberanes Canyon/Rocky Ridge hike. From what I understand the east side will remain closed at least through December. A few miles farther south is Garrapata Beach which is the only currently accessible beach south of Point Lobos. There's a sign near the start of the trail that leads to steps down to the beach. You can also continue along trails on the bluff above the beach https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=579
I stopped for the obligatory Bixby Bridge and Point Sur Lighthouse photos where there was a fortuitous turkey vulture photo bomb
Point Sur Lighthouse is open for guided tours but there are limited days/times when they're offered and the tours last 3 hours http://pointsur.org/ We still haven't done it but a friend who took the tour recently said it was very good.We turned around at Big Sur Station and then headed to Pfeiffer Big Sur https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570 A black tailed deer was walking across day use lot 1 as we drove in. We decided to walk everything that's currently open plus part of the campground which is open on a first come, first serve basis through the end of June. It appeared that there were plenty of sites still available on a Saturday morning. Reservations for July onward have been available for a while so are pretty booked. The campground was very peaceful.
The longest trail that's open right now is 1.5 miles one way and ends at the Fernwood campground and cabins. It starts along the Buzzard's Roost trail and goes under the highway. Most of it follows the Big Sur River through redwoods and is a nice, shady easy walk. The redwood deck next to Big Sur Lodge is open as well as the lodge itself and the rest of the short trails form a loop between the lodge and day use parking lots. We left around 11am and the two currently open lots had relatively few cars.
On our way home we stopped for brunch at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. California Market and Pacific's Edge have been merged into the same space that was formerly just Pacific's Edge on the same level as reception. The new patio is off to the side and directly over the old California Market space which is now being used as a sales office. The deck isn't huge but we lucked into a table right by the glass railing. The Hyatt is on the inland side of the highway but elevated enough to have a nice view. We enjoyed our dungeness benedict and burger perched above the highway. The view from the restaurant interior isn't too shabby either. Breakfast/brunch/lunch has always been reliably decent here. Our dinner experience a few years back wasn't great and we feel there are places with better food quality considering their dinner price point. The bar/lounge also has great views and offers a bar menu.
Traffic southbound was heavier at mid-day but still not as busy as normal considering it's a sunny Saturday. Point Lobos on the other hand had cars parked along the highway for probably about a mile in each direction. This isn't atypical on weekends but there might be a slight uptick this summer as many people seem to be opting out of driving the full 26 miles of Hwy 1 that's open south of Carmel which is understandable given time constraints so go now before more people realize this is actually a great time to visit!
There are plans for a shuttle to start on July 1st to access businesses south of the bridge with the Pfeiffer Canyon Trail opening to the public http://www.ksbw.com/article/new-big-...-july/10004160 I believe the trail is around half a mile with a 400 ft elevation change. Pics here http://photos.santacruzsentinel.com/...-in-big-sur/#1 http://photos.santacruzsentinel.com/...-in-big-sur/#1
Jun 10th, 2017, 08:54 PM
#2
Great info. I read it twice but I'm still a little fuzzy re where the shuttle will go - how it will get around the closure??
I haven't stayed at the Highland Inn since just after I graduated from High school and just realized I haven't eaten there in probably 15+ years (!) -- the photos look amazing.
I haven't stayed at the Highland Inn since just after I graduated from High school and just realized I haven't eaten there in probably 15+ years (!) -- the photos look amazing.
Jun 11th, 2017, 06:52 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The shuttle doesn't go around the closure. There will be two shuttles, one on each side and they'll open up Pfeiffer Canyon Trail to the public (it's only open to residents and those working south of the bridge right now) so it will take some effort to get to Nepenthe
Jun 26th, 2017, 10:39 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Information on shuttle starting this Saturday https://www.surtransportation.com/th...uttle-survice/
There's a possibility of the southern shuttle running to McWay Falls in August but this is still being assessed.
There's a possibility of the southern shuttle running to McWay Falls in August but this is still being assessed.
Jun 26th, 2017, 10:56 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jun 29th, 2017, 07:23 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just called Sierra Mar at Post Ranch and they said they aren't taking outside guests for dining until the highway reopens. They stated a number of reasons - supplying, skeleton crew, other businesses hurting more, etc. They told me that Nepenthe, Big Sur Deli and Big Sur Taphouse are open south of the bridge.
Another article http://www.montereyherald.com/articl...NEWS/170629889
I also found out the trail crew that was working on Soberanes Point/Whale Peak on the west side of Garrapata has been pulled off to work elsewhere (maybe installing railings for the Community Bypass Trail) so it may be a while longer before those trails reopen.
Another article http://www.montereyherald.com/articl...NEWS/170629889
I also found out the trail crew that was working on Soberanes Point/Whale Peak on the west side of Garrapata has been pulled off to work elsewhere (maybe installing railings for the Community Bypass Trail) so it may be a while longer before those trails reopen.
Jul 3rd, 2017, 07:31 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here are some accounts from day one of the trail and shuttle http://www.montereyherald.com/enviro...ant-experience
https://www.facebook.com/dannciancaK...0/?pnref=story
https://www.facebook.com/dannciancaK...0/?pnref=story
Jul 11th, 2017, 01:20 PM
#13
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi patty, Just curious how long was this day? I'm traveling here in august and wondering if I could have a day like you did and then make it out to 101 and down to sleep at San Louis obispo that night.
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
Jul 11th, 2017, 03:39 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mike,
Mine was just a morning since I skipped Point Lobos which I highly recommend visiting. You could add another hour or two there. Allow approximately an hour each way to drive to the turn around point not including stops. Then allow another 2.5-3 hours to get to SLO not including any coastal detours farther south.
Mine was just a morning since I skipped Point Lobos which I highly recommend visiting. You could add another hour or two there. Allow approximately an hour each way to drive to the turn around point not including stops. Then allow another 2.5-3 hours to get to SLO not including any coastal detours farther south.
Jul 31st, 2017, 04:56 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some trails at Andrew Molera have reopened! The Creamery Meadow trail that leads to the beach, the Bluffs/Panorama/Ridge trails loop http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikes_moleraloop.html and the Bobcat trail that runs on the east side of the river. The seasonal footbridge has been installed and Molera Horseback Tours has reopened as well.
Here are some photos from Andrew Molera this morning pix.sfly.com/JB4jgytS
We got there around 9am and did the Creamery Meadow and Bluffs trails. There was no one stationed at the entrance so we had to use the self pay envelopes. Make sure you have exact change for the $10 fee if arriving early (also there were no pens available to fill it out). There was someone stationed at the entrance when we left around 11am.
There are blue signs directing you to beach access and a seasonal bridge over the Big Sur River. Creamery Meadow is a flat sandy one mile trail. There are no ocean views from this trail until you get to the beach. The wide trail on the left before you get to the beach provides access to the Bluffs, Panorama and Ridge trails loop in the link above. You'll see another trail split farther ahead for Ridge and Bluffs trails. We didn't have time for the full loop so took Bluffs trail on the right and went a bit past the side trail down to a small beach before turning around. Bluffs is an easy, exposed trail with ocean views most of the way including a view of Point Sur Lighthouse when looking north. Regardless of whether you do the full loop, you end up back on Creamery Meadow trail so it doesn't matter if you go to the beach first or after. On our way back to the parking lot we saw the horseback tour operating.
The highway was busier today than the Saturday we drove down in June. Be careful around Point Lobos, Bixby Bridge and Garrapata Beach as there are cars parked on both sides of the highway with pedestrians crossing.
Here are some photos from Andrew Molera this morning pix.sfly.com/JB4jgytS
We got there around 9am and did the Creamery Meadow and Bluffs trails. There was no one stationed at the entrance so we had to use the self pay envelopes. Make sure you have exact change for the $10 fee if arriving early (also there were no pens available to fill it out). There was someone stationed at the entrance when we left around 11am.
There are blue signs directing you to beach access and a seasonal bridge over the Big Sur River. Creamery Meadow is a flat sandy one mile trail. There are no ocean views from this trail until you get to the beach. The wide trail on the left before you get to the beach provides access to the Bluffs, Panorama and Ridge trails loop in the link above. You'll see another trail split farther ahead for Ridge and Bluffs trails. We didn't have time for the full loop so took Bluffs trail on the right and went a bit past the side trail down to a small beach before turning around. Bluffs is an easy, exposed trail with ocean views most of the way including a view of Point Sur Lighthouse when looking north. Regardless of whether you do the full loop, you end up back on Creamery Meadow trail so it doesn't matter if you go to the beach first or after. On our way back to the parking lot we saw the horseback tour operating.
The highway was busier today than the Saturday we drove down in June. Be careful around Point Lobos, Bixby Bridge and Garrapata Beach as there are cars parked on both sides of the highway with pedestrians crossing.
Jul 31st, 2017, 05:14 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTW the campground at Andrew Molera won't reopen this season.
Other trail updates -
Soberanes Point/Whale Peak on the west side of Garrapata won't reopen until October due to delayed trail work. There are no funds to repair the east side trails.
Pfeiffer Falls Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur won't reopen this year.
The Overlook Trail to the McWay Falls viewing deck has reopened. Julia Pfeiffer Burns east of Hwy 1 as well as the west side campsites remain closed. The only way to get to JPB/McWay Falls by road is via Nacimiento-Fergusson. Otherwise it's a hike/electric bike option from the north https://www.bigsuradv.com/ No word on the shuttle running to McWay Falls.
Other trail updates -
Soberanes Point/Whale Peak on the west side of Garrapata won't reopen until October due to delayed trail work. There are no funds to repair the east side trails.
Pfeiffer Falls Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur won't reopen this year.
The Overlook Trail to the McWay Falls viewing deck has reopened. Julia Pfeiffer Burns east of Hwy 1 as well as the west side campsites remain closed. The only way to get to JPB/McWay Falls by road is via Nacimiento-Fergusson. Otherwise it's a hike/electric bike option from the north https://www.bigsuradv.com/ No word on the shuttle running to McWay Falls.
Aug 23rd, 2017, 02:56 PM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Valley View Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur has also reopened.
Caltrans is stating that it now looks more like October before Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge will reopen http://www.montereyherald.com/genera...-until-october
And there's still no estimated reopening for the Mud Creek area farther south. A new road needs to be constructed over the slide.
Caltrans is stating that it now looks more like October before Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge will reopen http://www.montereyherald.com/genera...-until-october
And there's still no estimated reopening for the Mud Creek area farther south. A new road needs to be constructed over the slide.
Aug 24th, 2017, 05:19 PM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Forgot to mention that Partington Cove at Julia Pfeiffer Burns is open http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikes_partingtoncove.html It's a couple of miles north of McWay Falls.
