Andrew Molera State Park has about 3 mile of coastline running from Cooper Point in the south to just beyond the mouth of Big Sur River in the north. Most of the coast is composed of narrow band of rocky shoreline, too difficult and dangerous to access. The park is 21 miles south of Carmel.

There are, however, two sandy beaches within the park - the main beach at the mouth of Big Sur River and a smaller beach 2 miles to the south, accessed by Spring Trail.

Trails to the Beaches

• Beach Trail: 1 mile from park entrance to the main beach at the mouth of Big Sur River. Virtually flat along the Big Sur River.
• Bluff Trail: 1.7 miles from the Big Sur River beach (2.7 miles from parking lot). Add a short jaunt of the Spring Trail which involves some scrambling over boulders. Find yourself at a small beautiful beach.

Ridge Trail: Climb about 1000 feet to the high points along the Ridge Trail for spectacular views of the surrounding coast and back over the Big Sur River Valley. 2-4 miles round trip, depending how far out the Ridge Trail you go.

Bluff and Panoramic trails: These connecting coastal trails offer numerous views of the ocean. From the main beach the full length of the combined trails is about a 6-mile round trip hike.

Hiking Cautions

Seasonal bridges on the Big Sur River are removed in the winter and crossing may be difficult or even unadvisable during periods of high run-off. Poison oak is prevalent along many of the trails. It is possible to hike south along the coast during low tide, but keep track of the time and the tide schedule to avoid being caught by the incoming tide. There are no restrooms at the beach. Carry water on longer hikes, especially on the Ridge Trail.