Читать книгу Hiking & Backpacking Big Sur. Your complete guide to the trails of Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, and Silver Peak Wilderness онлайн

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The trail meanders within sight of the shore and colorful kelp beds off Weston Beach. These rocky promontories are typical of the Carmelo formation, a mix of water-sculpted rocks, fine sediment, and debris deposited by ancient avalanches that occurred in a narrow underwater canyon. Wave action, erosion, and uplift over the past 39 million years have exposed the formation, leaving a complex pattern of graded beds and pebbly beaches.

Leaving Weston Beach, you may want to duck off the trail and descend a few feet to Hidden Beach (0.4 mile). Look amid the intertidal rocks for feeding shorebirds such as the black oystercatcher, which boasts a red bill and loud whistled yelps.

Past Hidden Beach the South Shore Trail emerges at the southern parking area, where the Bird Island Trail begins (0.6 mile, 25'). If you’re short on time, you could park here and explore China Cove and Bird Island, favorite destinations in the reserve.

The short detour to China Cove leads up a set of stairs to the headland, where another long, steep set of stairs descends to the white sand beach and sparkling waters. This calm, protected cove is a safe place to wade or explore nearby arches. Year-round water temperatures hover in the 50s Fahrenheit, so you may only want to get your feet wet.