Garrapata State Park, Carmel-By-The-Sea CA

Two parts. Easy walk along the shore with beautiful vista's. Strenuous hike 1.5 miles up a mountain pass through redwoods and stream crossings. Mixed shade and sun. Bring water.

You will be amazed!
What a joy to evolve in this still wild and preserved territory.
The relief, depending on the weather, can take on 1000 dresses. It is really beautiful.

Yes Sur! Yes Sur! Came screamin in from up in Monterey after hanging with Mac and the boys. Had ol Jack Kerouac on the box squawking and jawin all kinds of poetic nonsense about Big Sur, sippin whiskey, an feelin lonesome. But I didn’t feel lonesome no how! Me and another man did some traffic maneuvers and parked on the side of the road. Some kind man and his family from over the seas asked if the trail was closed. Hell if I knew! Turns out a portion of it was closed but you’ll read all about that on the nice sign they got. Anyhow went moseying up the trail. Saw those trees you been hearing so much about, that’s right it’s the Mighty redwoods of the Big Sur coast. Saw me a damn Rattler slipping through the brush! I was steppin and hollerin an my buddy wished he’d of had him a big ol six gun to blast that serpent back to hell. But Mr.snake just minded his own business and kept on slithering. I wouldn’t be me if that snake wasn’t him. A head honcho on meditation, fella named Mr. Buddha, said that. Anyhow then went strolling by that big pond they call the Pacific. Lordy lord lord lord lord was it pretty. Saw otter and heard a bird. That’s good.

Even though we only spent an hour here, it was a perfect place to stop for a walk while driving along Route 1

This place is something out of the book. The scenery is simply breathtaking. Roads are narrow and curvy, so very careful driving is a must. And have your boots ready, prepare to run out of space in your camera or phone. The whole big sur has dozens of points where I wish I can rest-n-peace when time comes.

We just went last week and it was a beautiful hike…until we were at the top when the sun was going down. A lot of slippery sand and rocks when we were going hill while it was dark. I slipped and fell on my butt 3 times haha. I was ok. We were told that the rain had something to do with the trails and pathways.

It was a 5 hour hike because we started at 6pm! Not a good idea because of the sun set. Better to start hiking in the morning, afternoon, and no later than 3pm.

Beautiful park! Painter's Point is a great spot to walk with people who are less physically able.

Must stop on your way to Big Sur!

Beautiful views of the ocean, mountains and a small waterfall. Everything will leave you in awe. During super bloom time of the year the area is filled with a variety of flowers. It's always beautiful, all year round. <3

Beautiful place to enjoy the lush greenery thanks to the recent rains. There was plenty of parking available and amazing views of both the hills and the beach.

Gorgeous anywhere you are! Lots of easily accessible vista points and trails.parking can be hard on nice days.

Just 20 minutes away from Monterey is a beautiful coastal park with killer views, waterfalls and wildlife. Garrapata State Park is my weekly getaway place to hike and clear my head.

Garrapata is a go to spot in Big Sur for some adventurous wedding photos! There are many pull offs throughout the park to stop at, and the landscapes are incredible. Please make sure to obtain a proper permit in order to have a ceremony or take professional photos here

It is a super beautiful route! It is hard but not impossible!
Also this year it has rained a lot and the place is super green and full of life!

I came in the middle of April 2023, experiencing the full booming of wildflowers. This was the best hiking experience I have had so far. I was fully immersed in the purple Lupine flowers on the mountain top. It was so rewarding to see the splendid view in this beautiful weather after a hard hike (2000 ft). Will definitely come again next spring!

One of the rare free state parks with a lot of parking. California's coast is remarkable. Very beautiful.

Lovely section of coast. Most people just drive through, but lots to do between hiking, beach adventuring, and surfing.