Garrapata State Park - Carmel -(CA)

Heading further into Big Sur, four state parks are found.   The northernmost is Garrapata State Park, where sea lions, seals and sea otters frolic along the shore and two trails lead from the coast to the steep inland mountains.

Te next park, Andrew Molera, is reached after crossing dramatic Bixby Bridge, a manmade wonder that begins to rival the natural wonders of Big Sur.  At 714 -feet wide, the massive bridge towers gracefully above Bixby Canyon .  As with the rest of the Big Sur section of Highway One, Bixby Bridge was built by convicts, many of whom whittled time off their sentences as they risked life and limb to construct this elegant spa of roadway.

The Big Sur River runs through Andrew Molera state park, which offers 50 walk-in campsites and 16 equestrian trails.

South of this park is the quiet village of Big Sur, the gateway to Big Sur Valley.  This rustic complex is comprised of a few gas stations and general stores, campgrounds and inns

Just a mile and a half past the village is Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park, named for one of the hardy families that were among the early settlers of Big Sur, just little more than a century ago.   This park is home to a popular local swimming Lodge and two favourite hiking trails.   Pfeiffer Falls Trail which winds through redwood groves to a 60-foot waterfall, and Buzzard's Roost Trail which leads to the top of Pfeiffer Ridge and its spectacular vista.

Situated between Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park 12 miles south are two Big Sur "landmarks" including Nepenthe, a popular dining spot with both visitors and locals, and Coast Gallery, a historic landmark that showcases the work of the Big Sur and other coastal artists and craftsmen.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park includes a ,1,700 acre underwater park for experienced divers.   It is here that a 50-foot waterfall flows gracefully to the sea.
The beautiful Big Sur route continues on, marked by the occasional lodge or campground .  This magnificent  area is a perfect stop before or after a visit to hearst Castle, or a delightful destination inits own right.
Visitor information is available by calling the MOnterey County Visitors & Convention Bureau at
(408)649 1770