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The Best Hiking in Big Sur

Looking for the best hiking in Big Sur? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Big Sur. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near Big Sur

  • Big Sur, California

    Camp at Ventana Campground, Big Sur

    4.6
    This campground is a gem when it comes to Big Sur camping, book here. Each site includes a parking spot, a campfire ring with grill, a picnic table, and plenty of space for 1-2 tents. There are multiple immaculate restroom facilities with showers, clean trash enclosures (emptied and sanitized dai...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Valley View Overlook

    1.76 mi / 499 ft gain
    Valley View Overlook is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Big Sur, California

    Big Sur Nature Trail

    0.76 mi / 30 ft gain
    Big Sur Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike to Pfeiffer Falls

    4.0
    2 mi
    This trail is a staff favorite at Big Sur. This family-friendly waterfall trail provides only a moderate challenge for young children and older family members. There are two starting points for this hike depending on where you stashed the car. If you’re parked near the gift shop, the head up the ...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Buzzards Roost Trail

    2.57 mi / 804 ft gain
    Buzzards Roost Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the East Molera Trail

    3.2 mi / 1390 ft gain
    Housed in Andrew Molera State Park, the East Molera Trail is easily accessible from Highway 1 with parking and restrooms available to hikers. A $10.00 entry fee is required but also provides entrance to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park just a few miles down the road.The trail head is located east of t...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

    4.2
    18.96 mi / 7339 ft gain
    The trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop

    2.0
    33.45 mi / 11388 ft gain
    If you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy does of elevation, beautiful primitive camping amon...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Andrew Molera State Park Loop

    4.5
    8.8 mi / 1100 ft gain
    The loops starts at the Andrew Molera State Park parking lot (4.5 miles north of the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park along Highway 1). Begin by crossing the Big Sur River using the seasonal bridge. If the bridge has been removed, you will need to cross the water by foot. Usually the water...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Pfeiffer Beach

    4.0
    0.81 mi / 75 ft gain
    Pfeiffer Beach located in Big Sur may truly be one of the most awesome beaches in California...if you can find it. I lived within 40 miles of this beach for over 20 years and just discovered it recently. This beach is located on an unmarked road called Sycamore Canyon Road. On Highway 1, this roa...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Creamery Meadow Trail to Molera Beach

    2 mi
    Entrance to the parking lot is $10 per car, and once you get in be sure to use the restroom before you head for the trail, since you will likely spend a good amount of time out there.Look for the sign that says Creamery Meadow Trail. You'll know it's right when the very first thing you'll need to...
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  • Monterey County, California

    Beach, Bluffs, Panorama, Ridge, and Creamery Meadow Loop

    8.02 mi / 1299 ft gain
    Beach, Bluffs, Panorama, Ridge, and Creamery Meadow Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Monterey County, California

    Bluffs and Panorama Trail via Creamery Meadow

    7.93 mi / 1355 ft gain
    Bluffs and Panorama Trail via Creamery Meadow is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Bluff Trail Loop

    8.2 mi / 1601 ft gain
    The Bluff Trail Loop is a relatively tough hike, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts. There is very little shade on the trail until you are about 2/3 of the way up. When you are about a mile from the top, you will reach a redwood forest. You will pass by two beautiful beaches. Keep you...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Creamery Meadows Trail

    2.36 mi / 92 ft gain
    Creamery Meadows Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Big Sur, California.
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  • Monterey County, California

    Andrew Molera Beach Trail to Creamery Meadows Trail

    2.22 mi / 121 ft gain
    Andrew Molera Beach Trail to Creamery Meadows Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Big Sur, California.
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