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Details

Distance

50 miles

Elevation Gain

540 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Shalee Blackmer

Named "The Most Scenic Highway in America" for a reason. 50 miles of magic on the California Coast.

A section of the Pacific Coast Highway encompasses Big Sur, a stretch road along the California coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If traveling from the south, Big Sur begins roughly five hours from Los Angeles. If approaching from the North, it is a shorter drive from San Francisco Airport at two and a half hours.

The key to a successful Big Sur road trip is time. Rushing through the winding road will leave you disappointed. Although only 50 miles, adventurers should leave themselves roughly two days to fully complete the journey.

There are multiple campgrounds along the route, but very few hotels or other structures. Make sure to fill up on gas before departing, as there are only a few (very expensive) gas stations throughout the journey.

Some of the must-see locations include Mcway Falls and Bixby Bridge. These are the most common tourist stops and are often crowded during high season. However, there are plenty of secluded stops along the road that will leave you completely alone with free exploration of the surrounding areas.

Hiking is also extremely common. Trails like the Pfeiffer Waterfall Trail and Ewoldsen Trail offer unique perspectives of the surrounding landscapes.

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Features

Cycling
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Hot Springs
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Bixby Bridge

Camp at Andrew Molera State Park

Hike the Creamery Meadow Trail to Molera Beach

Hike the Andrew Molera State Park Loop

Hike the East Molera Trail

Pat Springs via Skinners Ridge