Big Sur Ride
Friday, February 20th, 2009– Doug McConnell
I’m often asked what my favorite short road trip is in the West, and I can never really answer because I have too many favorites. From the Black Hills to Hawaii and Alaska to Mexico the beauty and true nature of the West can be found on countless great drives along the ocean’s edge, over steep mountain passes, through ever-changing desert landscapes and into the hearts of big cities and small towns in every state and province. But OK, here’s one drive I especially love, and it’s only 90 miles long.
It’s no secret that the Big Sur coast of California is about as drop-dead gorgeous as a union of land and sea can get. From north to south, you enter the Big Sur the moment you leave lovely Carmel and follow State Highway 1 towards Hearst Castle. Mountains erupt from the sea and the highway clings to cliffs and bluffs as it threads its way gingerly southward. Every bend in the road reveals another stunning vista. You’ve got to drive carefully and stop often or you’ll do the journey an injustice. The trip can take a few hours or a few weeks. I prefer the latter.
Along the way, you should visit Pt. Lobos State Reserve, the Pt. Sur Lighthouse, and Andrew Molera and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks. You should pull over to admire the Bixby Bridge, the Big Sur River, the Henry Miller Library, the elephant seals in winter at Piedras Blanca and, of course, Hearst Castle itself. Then, go back in every season because the climatic conditions are always shifting. Oh, and by the way, keep your eyes peeled for sea otters and huge, endangered California Condors gliding along steep ridge lines or perched on rocks and abandoned structures near the road.
You can camp or stay in expensive world-class inns or get something in between. And did I mention that it’s all very romantic?
Well, that’s my Big Sur starter kit. Take your time and you’ll easily discover much more. Let us know what you find.
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