Big Sur

Site Overview

The Big Sur contains vast wildernesses and breathtaking views as it stretches 90 miles along the rugged Pacific Ocean in the Central Coast region of California. It is approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. The area is great for outdoor recreationists and contains several state parks, two national wilderness areas and is part of the Los Padres National Forest, all of which include hiking trails. The most common activity is Hiking/Backpacking in the open natural spaces of Big Sur.

Tenting programs are the way to go at any one of many camping sites.

You can explore coastal meadows at Andrew Molera State Park, hike the Big Sur River up into redwood forests and beyond. Take a day trip to anyone of the secluded beaches for marine science and tide pool exploration. Or hike your way to waterfalls and cascades for some rich riparian studies.

Educational Overview

Geology and Mountain Building - The mountains of the rugged Big Sur coastline rise to 5,000 foot summits within two miles of the ocean, the most abrupt elevation change of the entire Pacific shore.

Vegetation - Six major vegetation types (chaparral, oak and pine woodlands, riparian woodlands, redwood and tanbark-oak woodlands, and

Whales - Three whales species are commonly seen off the South Coast - Gray, Blue and Humpack.

Condors - The California Condor is North America's largest and most endangered land bird. The Ventana Wilderness Society is engaged in an ongoing effort to re-introduce the condor to this part of its historic range.

Coastal Redwoods – This species ranks as the earths tallest living inhabitant and a quiet stroll among these ancient giants often comes silence and awe.

Riparian Zones – Fresh running streams and a wide assortment of native critters makes an exploration fun and educational.

Coastal & Beach Processes – Tidal zones and coastal landforms make for a rich learning experience set between mountain and sea.

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