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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Recreational opportunities are equally diverse. Visitors can dive the waters off Point Lobos or Jade Cove, summit granite peaks, marvel at 5,000-pound male elephant seals, plunge into swimming holes along the Big Sur River, explore Hearst Castle, surf the rollers at Andrew Molera, learn about maritime history at Point Sur Lighthouse, or simply take a barefoot stroll on the beach. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to return.

CHAPTER seven

Carmel River State Beach & Point Lobos State Reserve

Carmel River State Beach

THIS PARK ACTUALLY comprises two beaches: Carmel River State Beach at the river mouth and San Jose Creek Beach (aka Monastery Beach) farther south. Together they form a mile-long crescent of coarse sand backed by bluffs that offer spectacular views. Visitors can go for a stroll, build a sandcastle, picnic, or watch wildlife on the sheltered inland side of the beach at Carmel River Lagoon.

While the turquoise Pacific may look inviting, neither beach is safe for swimming or wading. A deep underwater canyon just offshore contributes to hazardous surf conditions. Even on calm days, unpredictable “sleeper waves” have risen up to surprise waders, sometimes dragging them in. Year-round strong currents and water temperatures that linger in the mid-50s Fahrenheit make submersion a real danger, though experienced, properly trained surfers and scuba divers do brave these waters.