ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK
Bluffs to Ridge Loop | Big Sur, CA
★★★★☆
A dynamic coastal cocktail of surprisingly steep switchbacks, whimsical wildflowers, and sweeping ocean views.
Last hiked 8/14/20
Length: 7.8 mi.
Gain: 1120 ft.
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No
THE RUNDOWN
This is a hike that packs a punch and is so, so worth it. The trail allows you to enjoy the striking beauty of the Big Sur region with relative seclusion, away from touristy crowds at more famous landmarks.
That being said, the later you arrive, the more people will be hitting the trails. Arrive earlier if you prefer more solitude.
This parking lot serves as a day use lot for both beachgoers and hikers. There seemed to be plenty of open spots when we arrived around 9am.
Park Hours: 8am to sunset
Fees: $10 per car
Trailhead: Just outside the parking lot, under the post with a sign “Molera Horseback Tours”
Restroom: Yes
We took a counterclockwise loop. Note: a temporary footbridge is installed across the Big Sur River from June 15 to Oct 31 each year. If hiking outside of this window, you’ll have to take Beach Trail to Creamery Meadow Trail instead. See park site for details.
Map generated via caltopo.com.
As the name suggests, Bluffs Trail takes you along some of Big Sur’s rugged cliffs before continuing onto a steep ascent up Panorama Trail. A mostly gradual descent down Ridge Trail provides some shade and beautiful coastal views towards the end.
Parking is located at the end of a narrow road off Highway 1.
Caution: exiting back onto Highway 1 South requires a sharp 180° turn; make sure both directions are clear of traffic as this is a one-lane highway.
STEP BY STEP
→ As you exit the parking lot through the fee station, turn right onto the gravel path under the “Molera Horseback Tours” sign.
Note: On Google Maps, this path is simply labeled "Andrew Molera," but we don't recall seeing a road sign.
→ Make the first right and proceed across the river crossing that feeds out to Creamery Meadow Trail.
Note: a temporary footbridge is installed across the Big Sur River from June 15 to Oct 31 each year. If hiking outside of this window, you’ll have to take Beach Trail to Creamery Meadow Trail instead. See park site for more details.
↑ Follow Creamery Meadow Trail towards the coast
← Make a left onto Ridge Trail.
→ Stay right at the fork for Bluffs Trail.
← Make a left to stay on Bluffs Trail, following the coastline.
← Stay left to continue onto Panorama Trail.
↑ Continue straight onto Ridge Trail.
→ Make a right onto Creamery Meadow Trail. Cross the footbridge at Big Sur River again.
← Make a left at the gravel path (“Andrew Molera” road on Google Maps) to return to the parking lot.
Who said you couldn't find nice beaches in northern CA?
As you climb up Panorama Trail, you'll notice a change in scenery from endless turquoise ocean to steep, shrubby canyons.
Wildflowers abound. Visit in the spring for the best blooms.
Bluff (noun): a steep cliff, bank, or promontory. Sounds about right.
MUSINGS
We usually like to design our hikes so that we head uphill on the steeper parts and then downhill on the less steep parts. This generally saves our knees (are we old, or are we old?) and prevents us from sliding down super steep slopes on our bums. As a result, it’s possible we chose the more challenging counterclockwise option on this loop - feel free to make a clockwise loop instead if you’d prefer a more gradual incline.
The inclines on this trail are pretty intense (yet rewarding). If you’re weird like us and decide to hike this trail during a summer heat wave, keep in mind that Bluffs and Panorama Trails have very little tree cover. Truth be told, we’ve never sweated this much in our lives. Nor have we blasted through our water supply so quickly. For a summer hike, make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water.
Bluffs Trail is an absolute breezy beauty, following a coastline that hugs some of the bluest ocean you’ve seen. Depending on the season, you may also notice some lovely wildflowers dotting the landscape.
Panorama Trail starts to kick things into higher gear. With some significant gains in elevation come some excellent views. At this point, we’ve basically stopped taking photos because we’re too busy trying to push onward…
By the time you reach the junction of Panorama Trail and Ridge Trail, you may want to stop in the shade here and have a snack or a water break while enjoying the view. We’re betting this is probably the first shade you’ve seen in awhile. Savor it, you’ve earned it.
Ridge Trail is mostly downhill and has scattered tree cover. As you return to Creamery Meadow Trail, consider taking a detour to the beach to dip your toes in the cool water before heading back to the parking lot.
There are few greater things in life than a gentle, salty, summer sea breeze.
The local beach: perfect for a post-hike cooldown. Access via Beach Trail.
Big Sur River crossing. This footbridge is only available June 15 to Oct 31 each year. Otherwise, start and finish the hike via Beach Trail.
MORE INFO
Some Reminders
Make sure to bring exact change for parking, in case parking attendants aren’t around when you arrive to give you change.
Beware of poison oak, particularly on Bluffs Trail.
Bring lots of water and sun protection, particularly if hiking during summer months.