going to big sur -want to enjoy nature, but inexperienced, so silly question: what to wear?

jeans or shorts?
sneakers or boots? (not planning anything too strenuous)
t-shirt or sweatshirt?
anything else?
planning on doing the hikes I read about on this board: McVay Falls, pfieffer big sur,etc.
ps how's the weather been? anybody know? going next week!

Hi, Rebecca!

Jeans would be better protection. It's pretty cool under the redwoods, so shorts to keep cool really isn't necessary.

Boots would be better protection. If you plan to hike in the redwoods, sometimes there's a little water/moisture on the trail and sneakers might slip. Also there are small roots which stick up (like big bumps on the trail) and you could stub your toe. Ouch! with sneakers. However, if you do not have boots, sneakers would be OK. Don't wear flip-flops or high heels. (You think I jest! I've seen people wearing those rubber thongs and girls, especially Asian girls, with high heels!)

t-shirt AND sweatshirt. You can always take the sweatshirt off and tie it around your waist or stick in your backpack.

Small backpack with at least one bottle of water.

Bug repellent, get something with at least Deet 30, and, better yet, with sunscreen. Go to a sports store. They have all these marvellous things in small containers.

A hat of some sort. A friend of mine is deadly afraid of "things", including live things, falling on her head. Hasn't happened yet, but she's always prepared for that eventuality.

Suggest that you stop off at Point Lobos. Very easy to easy hikes with gorgeous views.

At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, do the trail to McWay Falls. Don't go inland to the other small falls, not worth it, especially this time of the year when the water is low.

Pfeiffer Big Sur is worth hiking in for the redwoods. Again, the water may be disappointing because the water may be lower than you anticipate.

If you want a true wilderness experience AND see a waterfall AND not be too stressed out on the hike, go to Limekiln State Park and hike to the waterfall. Lots of fun, criss-crossing the little brook/stream with no bridges. At this time of year, you shouldn't get your feet wet on any of those crossings. People leave large branches and sticks to use as walking sticks. When you spot one of these, grab it. It'll help you balance as you cross that stream. Boots here would be better than sneakers.

Have fun! And welcome to California!

With the exception of the Limekiln we did all of the above earlier this month and I can't give you a better description. We found that jeans got too hot at times and a lighter layer was just right--it depends on your tolerance for cold and heat.

I wore sneakers, but wish I'd had something a little more substantial since the trails were damp and a bit slippery (we saw flip flops and high heels and I don't know how they managed).

easytraveler, thanks so much for answering all those questions, and the great advice!

I have a couple more, if you have time to indulge...

How far south is Limekiln from Nepenthe? (this seems to be where I'm measuring from, because I think my hotel is near it). It sounds cool.

Also, how do I get to see the Big Sur River? I understand that there is a campground or motel situated on it (Big Sur River Inn?) If I want to see the river is that the best place to go see it? or do you know of any hikes near it.

This board has been an incredible resource. I live in the Northeast and detailed books about the area are scarce! They all give Big Sur 1-2 pages (usually I have to look in a book about the entire state). I have been to about 5 bookstores. then i saw a post on this board reccomending a good book about hikes, but I just found this post and will have to order from Amazon. Too late, leaving in 2 days!

I think you live in CA based on your posts. If so, is it worth it to stop at a big barnes and noble in monterey/carmel or somewhere? I'm assuming the selection will be better out there.

Thanks again for all your help.

Hi, again! Rebecca!

No, I don't think you need go to any bookstore. Try these websites first:

pelicannetwork

and

parks.ca.gov

The Pelican Network site has detailed maps and a lot of great information.

Distances south from Carmel:

Point Lobos 2 miles

Andrew Molera State Park 20 miles

Pfeiffer Big Sur SP 26 miles

Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP 37 miles

Limekiln SP 56 miles

On the Big Sur River: the mouth is at Andrew Molera State Park. This is relatively undeveloped and I've only been on the beach, not along the river. I don't know if you can hike along the river there or not.

The Big Sur River is also in Pfeiffer Big Sur SP. If you access the Pelican Network map, you can see where the river runs close to several different trails. Big Sur Lodge is in Pfeiffer Big Sur. You can ask at the ranger station there for the best trail to hike if you want to see the river.

Both Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Limekiln will be on your LEFT as you drive south.

Nepenthe - its website says that it is 29 miles south of Carmel. This would place it south of Pfeiffer Big Sur SP. Pfeiffer Big Sur is inland, whereas Nepenthe is along the coast. Nepenthe is easy to miss. It's on your right. Gorgeous views on a clear day!

Good luck! And have a fine trip!