Up to Big Sur...

November 3, 2010 2:00 PM

Where to stop, hike, and camp on the way from LA to Big Sur?

We are planning a 3 or 4 day trip up the PCH, starting in LA and ending in Big Sur. Can you recommend any good camping spots, sites, or hikes along the way? We're leaving sometime next week, and coming back to LA sometime before the weekend.

Thanks for any suggestions!

posted by pilibeen to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

El Capitan, just north of Santa Barbara.
posted by zagyzebra at 2:30 PM on November 3, 2010

Montana de Oro, close to San Luis Obispo
posted by snowymorninblues at 2:48 PM on November 3, 2010

You should stop at Jade Cove, because it's crazy beautiful, but you should make sure to not steal any jade (even though you'll be sorely tempted) because it's slowly dwindling.
posted by klangklangston at 3:32 PM on November 3, 2010

This is totally not camping, but if you've never been there before: Hearst Castle is a worthy (short) detour. Book online beforehand. It's a little pricey but absolutely worth it. Amazing.

I also asked a similar question a few years back that might have some good hiking leads for you.
posted by kdar at 3:50 PM on November 3, 2010

I've heard Lake Cachuma is good; it's a bit off the main drag, but close enough to the 101, unless you plan on following the 1 out to Lompoc. One really short trail in the area is to Nojoqui falls. There's probably plenty of other opportunities in the Los Padres National Forest.
posted by LionIndex at 7:33 PM on November 3, 2010

El Cap is nice, but if Refugio (the next state beach up) is open, I find it nicer (they are connected by a bike path so even if you can't camp there you can easily spend the day).

If you have the time, Jalama is the nicest yet ... a bit off hwy 1, it is VERY SECLUDED, with long beach walks and the awesome surf spot Tarantulas to look at. It is a SB county park rather than a state park.

There is supposedly a hotspring off 101 at gaviota ... I cannot vouch for it personally as I have yet to get around to finding it.

Re: camping around big sur, mill creek is powerful nice oceanside spot. I think it's a state park, but it's been a few years so i don't know what-all is going on with getting a spot. If you are looking for somewhere to hike-in for a couple of days, try parking at pfeiffer and hiking into ventana wilderness next to big sur river.
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 9:19 PM on November 3, 2010

salmon creek- waterfall within 4 minutes of parking your car.
posted by palacewalls at 11:09 PM on November 3, 2010

for camping:
pfeiffer big sur state park (redwoods!)
kirk creek (on the bluffs)
limelkin (so i've heard, never stayed there)
plaskett creek (10 min walk away from sand dollar beach)

and +1 for montana del oro state park. absolutely beautiful, and if you can score one of the 'environmental' campsites, you'll be all alone with a stunning view. you'll have to pack your stuff in about a half mile, but i swear it is worth it.
posted by palacewalls at 11:16 PM on November 3, 2010

I've been to the hotspring at Gaviota. It's a pretty quick walk, but it's not particularly hot. Gaviota Peak is a nice afternoon hike with beautiful views if the weather is good.
posted by kdar at 5:53 AM on November 11, 2010