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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In 1542, Cabrillo described the California coastline aptly: “There are mountains which seem to reach the heavens and the sea beats on them.”

In 1769, Gaspar de Portolá led an inland expedition north from Baja California near present-day San Diego. When the expedition reached the daunting coastal cliffs near Ragged Point, it turned inland. Protected by its sheer topography, Big Sur was left unexplored. After Portolá reached the San Francisco Bay, the expedition returned south, bypassing entirely Monterey, Carmel, and environs. Although disheartened, Portolá persevered and planned another trip.

In 1770, Portolá departed on another land expedition accompanied by Father Junipero Serra, who sailed north with the intent to establish Catholic outposts in the unknown territory. Serra established Mission San Carlos at present-day Carmel River State Beach and two other missions east of the Santa Lucia Range in the San Antonio River Valley and at Soledad in the Salinas Valley. Again, Big Sur was left unexplored.