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No Fires | In the wake of the devastating California bushfires over the last few years, definitely steer clear of lighting open fires of any kind due to the ongoing extreme fire danger.Ĭamp In Designated Campgrounds | Due to overuse and the prevalence of irresponsible behaviour, camping in Big Sur is no longer permitted anywhere outside of the designated campgrounds – please respect that! For the full list of official campgrounds in Big Sur, see here, or for those not looking to camp, you can search other accommodation in the region here. Many a car has gotten stuck in these parts and it’s simply a waste of resources trying to get them out safely, not to mention the additional damage it does to the road. If you’re in a small car or 2WD, I would not recommend you drive down any unpaved roads that your vehicle is clearly not equipped to handle. Stick to the trails rather than wandering off course and use the toilet facilities available.ĭon’t Go Offroad | Many of the locations listed below require can only be reached by 4WD. Pick up after yourself and dispose of your trash properly once you’ve left the park. Leave No Trace | Whether you’re staying overnight in Big Sur or just visiting for the day, please be mindful to leave no trace. These are a few tips to help you do just that. I firmly believe that nature is there to be enjoyed by everyone rather than just a handful of ‘gatekeepers’, but this also means we all have the responsibility to take care of the places we visit and preserve them for future generations. After hearing some fairly disturbing reports from locals about increasing destruction in the area, I would implore anyone who visits this beautiful part of the coast to please do so in a responsible and respectful manner. Start planning your unforgettable day hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls with this hiking guide.Big Sur has long been a favourite place to visit in California and with this influx of visitors comes a greater strain on this fragile environment. While the hike to the falls in the summer can be quite hot, the cold water is most refreshing then. Otherwise, the optimal time for a visit is spring through fall. Note that this is an extremely popular hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. Camping is also available for $10 on a first-come first-served basis - it’s recommended that you arrive early on the day you want to camp. GPS Coordinates: Calf Creek Campground and Trailhead (37.793186, -111.413820)įees: Park at the designated parking lot by the restrooms just before entering the campground. But, really, who doesn’t love looking at a majestic waterfall? This trail offers activities everyone will enjoy.
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Kids and dogs will love the swim the most, and you can often hear children giggling and yelling with joy as you approach the falls. The feeling of craning your neck to view the top of the 126-foot falls how the cool mist refreshes you after the long, hot hike down the path your yelp as you dunk yourself into the cold, cold water how you never wanted to hike back to the car. During summertime, especially on weekends, the area can resemble a waterpark with families jam-packed into the small space - so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.Īfter soaking in the water and cooling down, it’s easy to want to have a picnic or a snack and peer at the waterfall for a while before returning back the way you came. There is a pool for swimming at the base of the waterfall. Mists from the long falls sprays revelers and not only helps to make the alcove a cool haven for people,but also for the densely-packed greenery. Streaming down more than 100 feet along mineral-stained sandstone, the water appears to radiate in its clarity. The waterfall unto itself is a sight to behold. Because of the nature of the canyon, as you pass around corner after corner, you might get the “Are we there yet?”s, but fret not, the sites along the way, and the majesty of the desert-varnished Navajo sandstone cliff walls are plenty to tide you over until reaching Lower Calf Creek Falls. The hike can be long and challenging at times due to deep sand. Hike over red rock and through sand, and, if timed in accord with the seasons, see bountiful wildflowers flourishing along the trail - a perfect picture opportunity. Along the three miles to the falls, you’ll pass two granaries, beaver dams, and a mighty pictograph on the wall opposite the canyon, to name but a few points. After picking up the helpful trail map at the onset of the hike, you’ll note nearly a dozen points of interest along the way (as if a 126-foot waterfall wasn’t enough).
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