Pacific Valley Bluff Trail - Big Sur, CA

Today we’re heading to Big Sur in the Los Padres National Forest to stretch our legs at the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail just 16 miles north of Ragged Point.

Views of Sand Dollar Beach and Plasket Rock Point in Big Sur

Pacific Valley Bluff trailhead along Highway 1 in Big Sur

Location

Pacific Valley Flat is a broad marine terrace set up against the southern edge of Monterey County‘s coastline. The Pacific Valley Bluff trailhead is located 3.5 miles north of Treebones Resort, and you can look for parking at the pull out on the ocean side of Highway 1 across from the Pacific Valley Ranger/Fire Station. In the Spring, the hills here are lush and green, filled with native wildflowers and California poppies.

Poppies along Pacific Valley Bluff Trail in Big Sur

The Pacific Valley Bluff Trail

This short and mostly level hike covers a grassy trail that leads to beautiful bluffs, coves, and sea stack views all in under a mile and a half round trip. To the north you can see the Santa Lucia mountain range, and at the southern edge of this hike you have clear views of Big Sur’s largest unobstructed beach area, Sand Dollar Beach, as well as the impressive Plasket Rock Point. While this hike can easily and quickly be accomplished in under half an hour, plan extra time here to enjoy the Big Sur and Los Padres National Forest coastline. Have a seat and listen to the waves crash against the rugged shore below.

Enjoying Big Sur views in the super portable Cliq Chair

Bonus Hike

Just a mile north of the Pacific Valley Bluff trailhead you’ll find another beautiful bluff-top trail with beach access. The trailhead is marked by a stretch of Highway 1 that is lined with magnificent poppies and a hillside of purple iceplants. After soaking in the vibrant colors along the road, walk across the wooden steps and take the short 1/4 mile trail down to the bluff-tops. Here you’ll find some more incredible Big Sur coastal views, as well as paths that you can scramble down to the water’s edge during low tide.

California Poppies along Highway 1 in Big Sur

Iceplant blooms along Highway 1 in Big Sur

Know Before You Go

• I’ve heard people refer to Big Sur as “God’s country”, “otherworldly”, and “life changing”...and I don’t disagree. This is an incredible place, but it is also a sensitive vulnerable land...local infrastructure is not set up to support mass visitors as many of our local state and national parks are. There are nearly 70 miles of Highway 1 coastline without access to travel service, such as gas, food, trash and restrooms, so please do your research before your visit.

• This trail is open to hikers and dogs kept on a leash, but bikes are not allowed. The trails here are for day use only and there’s absolutely no camping allowed. Cattle graze along this trail, so always securely close the gates after you (watching out for cow pies!) and stay on the designated paths to protect the local flora, and to avoid the abundant poison oak found in this area.

• Please join me in following the Leave No Trace Principles. If we leave this place better than we found it, we will be rewarded with years of natural wonder. If you’re unfamiliar with The Big Sur Pledge, I encourage you to familiarize yourself prior to heading out to this beautiful area.

• There are no fees or permits required for this hike, but there are also no restrooms or water sources…so plan ahead accordingly (closest restrooms are located at Sand Dollar beach parking/picnic area)

• There are multiple trails in the Pacific Valley area. Consider connecting this hike with the Prewitt Loop Trail for a 8+ mile strenuous day hike.

Nearby Big Sur Places of Interest:

Calla Lily Valley

Sand Dollar Beach

Jade Cove

Limekiln State Park

Salmon Creek Falls

San Carpoforo Beach

Ragged Point Hike

McWay Falls

Bixby Bridge

Cattle grazing along the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail

Poison Oak lining the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me today along the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail. For a virtual visit make sure to watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video below, and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go

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