Читать книгу Hiking and Backpacking Big Sur - Analise Elliot Heid - Страница 16

CHAPTER seven

Carmel River State Beach & Point Lobos State Reserve

Carmel River State Beach

THIS PARK ACTUALLY comprises two beaches: Carmel River State Beach at the river mouth and San Jose Creek Beach (aka Monastery Beach) farther south. Together they form a mile-long crescent of coarse sand backed by bluffs that offer spectacular views. Visitors can go for a stroll, build a sandcastle, picnic, or watch wildlife on the sheltered inland side of the beach at Carmel River Lagoon.

While the turquoise Pacific may look inviting, neither beach is safe for swimming or wading. A deep underwater canyon just offshore contributes to hazardous surf conditions. Even on calm days, unpredictable “sleeper waves” have risen up to surprise waders, sometimes dragging them in. Year-round strong currents and water temperatures that linger in the mid-50s Fahrenheit make submersion a real danger, though experienced, properly trained surfers and scuba divers do brave these waters.

DIRECTIONS: From Carmel, drive south on Highway 1 and turn right at the Rio Road signal light. In a half mile you’ll pass Carmel Mission (Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo) on the left. One block past the mission, turn left on Santa Lucia Avenue. Drive 0.4 mile west on Santa Lucia to Carmelo Street and turn left. Within a half mile Carmelo dead-ends at the beach’s north parking lot.

VISITOR CENTER: Point Lobos State Reserve, off Highway 1, 2.2 miles south of the Rio Road intersection. Open daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m. in summer, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in winter.

NEAREST CAMPGROUND: See Chapter 10: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for coastal campgrounds or Chapter 14: Bottchers Gap for inland options.

INFORMATION: Open 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Dogs must be on a leash.

WEBSITE: parks.ca.gov

PHONE: (831) 649-2836

Short spur trails lead to stunning views from rocky granite outcrops along Carmel River State Beach.