Andrew Molera Bluff Trail
Hike along dramatic coastal bluffs to a secluded beach, with a unique river crossing adding to the adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Bridge usually in place, pleasant weather
Andrew Molera Bluff Trail
Best Time
Bridge usually in place, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike along dramatic coastal bluffs to a secluded beach, with a unique river crossing adding to the adventure.
"Moderate trail with amazing views of the Pacific with varied terrain."
🌊 River Crossing Prep
Be ready to get your feet wet! The Big Sur River crossing is part of the adventure. Check bridge status if visiting outside summer.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No water fountains on the trail. Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Sunscreen is also a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Molera Beach
End of Creamery Meadow Trail
A secluded beach accessible by crossing the Big Sur River. Perfect for a peaceful escape and ocean views.
Pacific Ocean Vistas
Bluff Trail
Experience breathtaking, panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean.
River Wading Adventure
Big Sur River crossing
A unique experience of crossing the Big Sur River, especially memorable when the footbridge is out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
River Crossing Caution
Trail Navigation & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 River Crossing Prep
Be ready to get your feet wet! The Big Sur River crossing is part of the adventure. Check bridge status if visiting outside summer.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No water fountains on the trail. Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Sunscreen is also a must!
⚠️ Watch for Poison Oak
Stay on marked trails to avoid poison oak. It's prevalent in the area, so be mindful of your surroundings.
🌬️ Coastal Winds
Expect strong winds along the coast. A light jacket can be helpful, and it can make for dramatic photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 River Crossing Prep
Be ready to get your feet wet! The Big Sur River crossing is part of the adventure. Check bridge status if visiting outside summer.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No water fountains on the trail. Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Sunscreen is also a must!
⚠️ Watch for Poison Oak
Stay on marked trails to avoid poison oak. It's prevalent in the area, so be mindful of your surroundings.
🌬️ Coastal Winds
Expect strong winds along the coast. A light jacket can be helpful, and it can make for dramatic photos.
🗺️ Trail Signage
Some trails can be confusing. Pay attention to signs, especially when connecting to Ridge or Panorama trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Andrew Molera Bluff Trail for its stunning ocean views and relatively moderate difficulty, making it a highlight of any Big Sur visit. However, some note that trail signage can be insufficient on connecting routes, and the river crossing requires preparedness. Strong winds are also a common observation.
"Beautiful, relatively easy walk—but watch out for poison oak—as long as you stay on trail you’ll be fine."
Adam Overland
"Moderate three mile trail with amazing views of the Pacific with varied terrain. Be sure to bring plenty of water since there are no fountains along the hike. Sunscreen is also a must even on overcast days."
Oscar Bermeo
"Lots of views of the ocean. Strong wind. We got lost, there is not enough signage."
Kevin Galkov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Andrew Molera State Park is located off Highway 1 in Big Sur, California. There is a parking lot available. Many visitors drive along the scenic Highway 1 to reach the park.
Yes, there is a parking lot at Andrew Molera State Park. Parking can fill up, especially on weekends and during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the Creamery Meadow Trail starts from the parking lot and leads to Molera Beach, requiring a river crossing.
Public transport options are very limited in Big Sur. Driving is the most common way to access Andrew Molera State Park.
The Bluff Trail offers stunning ocean views. For a longer hike with varied scenery, consider combining Bluff, Ridge, and Panorama trails. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for parking at Andrew Molera State Park. Check the official California State Parks website for current fees.
Park hours can vary. It's best to check the official California State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
The fee is for parking at the state park. Once parked, hiking the trails, including the Bluff Trail, is generally included with your park entry.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the park entrance or parking lot. Advance booking is usually not required for day use.
Information on discounts is best found on the California State Parks website. Some passes may be applicable.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Bluff Trail itself is considered moderate and relatively easy, offering beautiful ocean views. However, combining it with Ridge and Panorama trails can make for a longer, more strenuous hike.
The Bluff Trail can be part of various loops. A common loop combining Bluff, Ridge, and Panorama trails is approximately 8 miles and takes about 3.5 hours.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes. Layers are recommended due to changing coastal weather and wind.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the main parking area of Andrew Molera State Park. It's advisable to use them before starting your hike.
Dogs are generally not allowed on the trails or beaches within California State Parks, including Andrew Molera State Park, to protect wildlife and natural resources. Always check park regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Bluff Trail offers incredible photo opportunities of the coastline. Look for dramatic cliff edges and ocean vistas. The beach at the end of Creamery Meadow Trail is also picturesque.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for coastal photography. Midday can be harsh, but dramatic clouds can still make for great shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in California State Parks. It's crucial to check the specific park's regulations regarding drones before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and seas.
The dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific and the unique river crossing point are popular subjects. The secluded Molera Beach is also a favorite.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children who are up for a bit more adventure, the Bluff Trail provides stunning views without being overly strenuous. Ensure everyone has comfortable shoes, plenty of water, and sunscreen. Be mindful of the river crossing and potential poison oak, and always supervise children closely.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1Safety is paramount for solo travelers. Inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a fully charged phone, and be aware of your surroundings. The potential for strong winds and the need to navigate the river crossing are factors to consider.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For the best light, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. The coastal fog can also add a mystical quality to your shots. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for those expansive ocean views and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sky and sea.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Big Sur River Crossing
This river crossing is a unique aspect of the hike and adds to the adventure. If you're visiting outside the typical bridge season or if the bridge is down, be sure to assess the river's current and depth before attempting to cross. It's a memorable part of the experience for many visitors, offering a sense of wildness and natural beauty.
Pro Tip: Check recent visitor reports or call the park office for the most current information on the footbridge's status before your visit to manage expectations and pack accordingly.
Exploring the Bluff Trail and Beyond
For those seeking a longer and more varied hike, the Bluff Trail can be combined with the Ridge Trail and Panorama Trail. This creates a loop that offers diverse scenery, from coastal bluffs to inland meadows and potentially more challenging ascents. These longer routes can take several hours to complete and offer a more immersive experience of the park's natural beauty.
+1Important Considerations: Be aware of strong coastal winds, which are common in this area. Also, keep an eye out for poison oak, which thrives in the undergrowth. Staying on marked paths is crucial for both safety and environmental protection.
Best Practices for a Memorable Visit
Footwear is another critical element. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended for navigating the varied terrain, especially if you plan to combine trails. If you anticipate wading the river, consider bringing water shoes or sandals.
Finally, navigation can sometimes be a challenge. While the Bluff Trail is generally clear, connecting trails might have less signage. It's wise to have a map or use a reliable GPS app on your phone, and pay close attention to trail markers to avoid getting lost.
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