Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is a stunning coastal park located in California, featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It is known for its scenic beauty, rugged coastline, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. Hiking routes in Garrapata State Park connect to the Gavilan Range’s grasslands and higher peaks, where visitors can take in breathtaking vistas of Monterey Bay. Views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Salinas Valley, and San Benito Valley are also available.
The park’s pine and oak forests are home to various birds and mammals. There is a public astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope and camping and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. This park has two miles of coastline, coastal hiking trails, and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. The park spans 2,879 acres and features both coastal and forest ecosystems.
Trails At Garrapata State Park
The Rocky Ridge and Soberanes Canyon Trails in Garrapata State Park offer a combined 7 miles of hiking and 1,200 feet of elevation gain on a round trip. Despite being a microcosm of Big Sur’s natural splendour, the park must be more appreciated. The Santa Lucia Mountains and the coast can be seen in all their glory from the Rocky Ridge Trail and the redwood-lined Soberanes Canyon makes for a great loop within the park.
The “Soberanes” trail passes through historic locations related to early Spanish exploration of California. Soberanes Canyon is excellent for casual strollers, whereas Rocky Ridge Trail is best for experienced hikers due to its steep approach and descent.
Hiking At Garrapata State Park
The hiking paths in Garrapata State Park are among the best in the Big Sur area. You can hike the 1.25 miles of the Soberanes Canyon Trail, which is located inland and offers views of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and the beautiful rocky shoreline and beach on the west side of Highway 1. For a more in-depth account of this stroll across the countryside, check out the seventh spot on our list of the top day hikes in Monterey County
Address: 34500 CA-1 Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
Opens–Closed: 7 am-6 pm
Phone: +1 831-624-4909
Email: access@parks.ca.gov
Area: 11.89 km²
Management: California State Parks
Established: 1979
