Crashing waves and rocky shoreline of Highway 1
California's Highway 1 between San Simeon and Monterey is said to be one of the most scenic byways in the world and every year thousands of people drive its length to explore and discover its hidden secrets. Learn about the many scenic wonders of California's Highway 1 focusing on stops for exploration of the reserves and state parks including Jade Cove, the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, things to do at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Andrew Molera State Park.
Instructions
1. Travel north from San Simeon, beyond Piedras Blancas Lighthouse and Highway 1 begins to climb to Ragged Point. Here at this roadside stop are unparalleled coastline vistas and, during the wet season, the spectacular waterfall of Salmon Creek tumbling over the shore side cliff to the ocean. A hotel perches here, as well as a gourmet restaurant, snack shop, espresso bar, convenience store, gas station and gift shop.
2. Find the little settlement of Gorda beyond Ragged Point. Relax and watch for spouts from whales from the Whalewatcher Cafe or stay for awhile at the local motel or campsite. From this location explore Jade Cove and look for gemstones. This is a famous scuba diving spot. The beach consists of large boulders and coarse gravel extends out into deep water. The cove is thick with kelp and an assortment of fish and invertebrates swim amongst the fronds. Fifty yards offshore you will find a large boulder called Cave Rock. At its base is a cave that runs parallel to the shore. The inside is naturally polished jade and small pieces of the gem are found throughout. You can find pebbles of jade throughout the gravel on the beach and in tide pools. No tools may be used to collect jade except a hand tool not greater than 36 inches in length.
3. Continue north and cross over Big Creek Bridge. The Ventana Wilderness is on the right. The captive bred and endangered California Condor flies free here. Reach the beautiful mountainous Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The park stretches from the coast well inland into the mountains. It is famous for its redwoods, tan oaks, madrones and the 80-foot McWay waterfall that drops from the cliffs into the ocean at the termination of McWay Creek.
4. Walk the self-guided nature loop at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The park has 1006 acres of redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, alders and willows and the Big Sur river runs through it. It also features large open meadows. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming and picnicking. Wildlife to be spotted includes raccoons, skunks, deer, birds and wild boars. Big Sur Lodge is located here as well as family, group, and hike-and-bike campsites.
Another park you will encounter is Andrew Molera State Park, the largest on the Big Sur coast. This park is famous with birdwatchers. You can walk the mile long path through a meadow filled with wildflowers and sycamores that leads to the beach that is sheltered from the wind by a large bluff. The path also goes along the Big Sur River that enters the sea adjacent to the beach. Camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and horseback riding are all available.
5. Visit Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park. The lighthouse sits on a large volcanic rock 361 feet above the surf on a shelf below the Coast Guard residences. Conducted tours are held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from April through October.
6. Drive north and you come to the most outstanding man made feature of the highway, Bixby Creek Bridge. This is an impressive arched span of 714 feet that was completed in 1932. It looms 260 feet above Bixby Canyon and is perhaps one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
7. Stop at Punta de los Lobos Marinas or Point of the Sea Wolves, better known as Point Lobos State Reserve. This reserve is often referred to as "the crown jewel of the State Park system." It derives its name from the sound of the barking sea lions that reverberates far inland. Sightseeing, photography, painting and nature study are the most popular pastimes. Aside from its obvious scenic beauty, the area is important for its resources that are studied by scientists. Rare plants, unique geological formations, rich flora and fauna both of land and sea, and endangered archaeological sites make this place special. The reserve opens at 9 A.M. There is a fee and visitors may have to wait in line to enter--one vehicle out, one vehicle in. Vehicles over 20 feet are subject to entrance restrictions.
Tags: State Park, California Highway, Creek Bridge, Andrew Molera, Andrew Molera State
