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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TO REACH THE TRAILHEAD: This hike begins at Carmel River State Beach, where you’ll find a phone, restrooms, and water at the free parking lot.

TRIP SUMMARY: Carmel River State Beach actually comprises two beaches: Carmel River State Beach, at the river mouth, and Monastery Beach (aka San Jose Creek Beach), just south of the river. The trail saunters along these wave-washed beaches and atop the adjacent bluffs. The first 0.2 mile of the route crosses soft sands deposited by the Carmel River and pounded into fine powder by the often-heavy surf. The bluffs overlook granite pinnacles, wind-sculpted Monterey cypress, and a marsh and estuary that teem with life.

Trip Description

From the north end of Carmel River State Beach, the hike strikes out across sand and heads southwest toward the river mouth. Sand bridges the river mouth in summer, but expect a wet crossing after winter rains. If you prefer to keep your feet dry, park at Monastery Beach and hike north, following this trail description in reverse. Parking stretches for 0.2 mile along Highway 1 at Monastery. Just south of the lagoon you can either continue along the shoreline or climb atop the bluffs for sweeping views of Carmel Bay, the lagoon, and the marsh.