If you’re up for an adventure, combine these hikes – Garrapata Bluff Trail, Soberanes Point Trail, Whale Peak Trail, Soberanes Canyon Trail, and Doud Peak – for the best scenic hike in Garrapata State Park! This 8-mile trek offers some of the most breathtaking views around. Each trail has its own charm, making this a perfect spot for a full day of hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Big Sur!
This hike will start on the Garrapata Bluff Trail where you’ll be treated to stunning ocean vistas and vibrant wildflowers along the way. Hop onto the Soberanes Point Trail for jaw-dropping cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean. Climb up Whale Peak for panoramic views that are worthwhile. Next, the Soberanes Canyon Trail offers a lush, tranquil experience as it winds through beautiful canyons, and finally, the trek to Doud Peak provides a thrilling finish with even more incredible views of the rugged coastline. Lace up your hiking shoes and let’s hit the trail!
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Best Scenic Hike in Garrapata State Park
The hiking trails at Garrapata State Park are a total treat for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Big Sur coastline. Our favorite hikes within the park can be combined for one long, beautiful stroll through lush canyons and along the coast with incredible ocean views.
If you do not want to hike all the trails together, then simply choose one or two hikes to complete. They are all incredible and have something unique to offer! Below is a list of some of the hikes within Garrapata State Park (which can be combined into one big hike as described in this blog post):
- Garrapata Bluff Trail
- Length: 0.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 35 feet
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Soberanes Point and Whale Peak Trails
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 260 feet
- Route Type: Lollipop (out-and-back with a loop)
- Difficulty Rating: Easy to moderate
- Soberanes Canyon Trail
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 505 feet
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Doud Peak via Soberanes Canyon Trail
- Length: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,870 feet
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty Rating: Hard
FREE ITINERARY! Discover the beauty of Monterey with Our 3-Day Monterey, California Itinerary! We created this itinerary to help inspire and educate others who are interested in visiting Monterey! It includes 3 days full of fun activities, including exploring Cannery Row, watching sunrise at Lovers Point Park, driving down the scenic 17-Mile Drive, wine tasting in Carmel-By-The-Sea, and hiking beautiful trails in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Garrapata State Park. Check out this awesome itinerary HERE!
Know Before You Go
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is one of those must-visit spots along the Big Sur coastline that really shows off California’s natural beauty. With its dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views, it’s the perfect place for a hike or just to soak in the scenery. The park has a mix of coastal scrub and lush forests, making it home to all sorts of animals. Be on the lookout for marine wildlife, such as sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and gray whales.
What makes Garrapata even more special is the wildflower season in spring, when the hills come alive with color. It’s a fantastic spot for anyone who loves nature or photography, with plenty of chances to snap some amazing shots. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with a view, or just escape into nature for a bit, Garrapata State Park has a laid-back vibe that invites you to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Important Information:
- The park is open from 8 AM to sunset.
- There is NO entrance fee.
- Camping is not permitted.
- Rattlesnacks, ticks, and mountain lions live here – walk only on established trails.
- Watch out for poison oak!
- Pets (on leash) are allowed on the beach at Gate 19 (south end of the park) and trails leading to it. Pets are not allowed in any other areas.
- Learn more about Garrapata State Park’s history here.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Garrapata State Park is during the spring and early fall. In spring (March to May), the wildflowers are in full bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape, and the weather is usually mild. Perfect conditions for hiking!
Early fall (September to October) offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for enjoying the stunning coastal views without the summer rush. Plus, you might catch some incredible fall-time sunsets over the Pacific Ocean! Just be sure to dress in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Parking Situation
Parking at Garrapata State Park may be a bit confusing for first timers. There are a few designated parking areas along Highway 1, however there is no official paved parking lot. Parking areas are numbered:
- Gate 7 – Garrapata Bluff and Rocky Ridge Trails
- Gate 8 – Soberanes Canyon Trail
- Gates 8, 9 or 10 – Soberanes Point and Whale Peak Trails
- Gate 17 – Scenic Overlook with bench
- Gates 18 or 19 – Garrapata Beach
The parking spots can fill up quickly! It’s a good idea to arrive early to snag a spot, especially during the peak season, weekends, and holidays.
Trail Closures
The Soberanes Canyon Trail is open from the main trailhead at Gate 8. The hike is about 1.25 miles one-way to the back of the canyon. The trail merges into Rocky Ridge Trail which is currently CLOSED due to hazardous conditions.
(According to AllTrails, it appears some people continue to Doud Peak despite the trail closure. Use your best judgement and be safe.)
For updates on Garrapata State Park, visit this website for more information.
What to Bring
Layers of clothing – the ocean breeze can cause chilly conditions on a warm, sunny day.
Hiking shoes – our favorite hiking shoes are the Altra Peak Lone Peak Trail Running Shoes (women’s and men’s).
Small backpack – having a backpack will allow you to easily carry extra layers, snacks, and water.
Water bottles – bring a few water bottles plus a water filter. The Soberanes Creek runs along the Soberanes Canyon Trail that can be filtered for drinking water. We use LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze 1L Bottles with the Peak Series Solo water filters.
Binoculars – you might see marine wildlife out in the ocean and having binoculars will give you an even closer look from a safe distance.
Camera – don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all those beautiful moments as you explore along this scenic hike in Garrapata State Park. We currently use a Sony A7c (along with our phones) to take pictures.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Garrapata Bluff Trail to Soberanes Point/Whale Peak Trails to Soberanes Canyon Trail to Doud Peak
Location: These trails are located in Garrapata State Park in the northernmost portion of Big Sur near Carmel-by-the Sea, California.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 8 miles with an elevation gain of 2,165 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 5 to 6 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This includes two out-and-back sections and one loop section.
Difficulty Rating:
Garrapata Bluff, Soberanes Point, and Whale Peak Trails – easy to moderate.
Soberanes Canyon Trail – moderate to hard.
Doud Peak – hard to strenuous.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard sand, wooden bridges, steps, and rocky terrain.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead for this hike is located at either Gate 7 or Gate 8. If these parking areas are full, you can also start this hike from Gates 9 or 10.
Put this address in Google Maps: Soberanes Point Trails: Gate 8, 25114 Cabrillo Hwy, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
OR
Gate 7 – Garrapata State Park, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Trail Directions
Garrapata Bluff Trail to Soberanes Point/Whale Peak Trails to Soberanes Canyon Trail to Doud Peak
You can begin this hike from either Gate 7 or Gate 8 (or even Gates 9 or 10). For the purpose of this blog post, let’s begin from Gate 8 which is the main trailhead for the Soberanes Canyon Trail. This is also an easy access point for the Garrapata Bluff, Soberanes Point, and Whale Peak Trails.
Let’s start with the coastal hikes first before heading into the canyon. Head towards the Garrapata Bluff and Soberanes Point Trails on the right side of the main road (if looking south). At the junction in the trail, take a right on the Soberanes Point Trail.
Follow this scenic trail until you reach a bridge where you will see Soberanes Creek Falls.
Continue following the trail (now it is Garrapata Bluff Trail) until the end. Soak in the spectacular views then turn around and retrace your steps.
At the junction where you took a right, continue straight on the Soberanes Point Trail. You will reach another junction in the trail. Let’s go counterclockwise, so take a right.
Look for side trails that lead to incredible vista points of the Pacific Oceans and the rugged cliffs. This is Soberanes Point… I think. Honestly, I’m not exactly sure which spot is Soberanes Point. Either way, the views are spectacular no matter where you look!
Continue hiking as you make a loop around Whale Peak. That’s the next destination!
Eventually you will reach another junction where you will take a left to ascend towards Whale Peak.
There is a wooden overlook as you reach the top then to the left and right are two other peaks. Explore the area and soak in the amazing views!
Retrace your steps back down the mountain then take a left at the junction to continue on the Soberanes Point Trail.
At the next intersection, take a right to retrace your steps back to the parking area where you began this portion of the hike (at Gate 8).
Carefully cross the road to begin part 2 of this incredible hike! You will now be hiking along the Soberanes Canyon Trail.
Remain on this trail as you make your way through the canyon, into a forest, pass redwoods, and over a few creek crossings.
We did this hike back in 2023 when the Rocky Ridge Trail was closed (and still is currently closed), so we stopped about 1.25 miles in and turned around.
I have read reviews on AllTrails where people continue towards Doud Peak. I am not recommending you go, but also know your limits and be safe. If you do decide to continue, follow the Rocky Ridge Trail at the end of the Soberanes Canyon Trail then take a right at an intersection to merge onto Peak Trail where you will soon reach Doud Peak.
Retrace your steps back towards the parking area. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
NEXT STOP! Have you visited Point Lobos State Natural Reserve? It’s only a 10 minutes’ drive from Garrapata State Park! The Point Lobos Loop is one of our absolute favorite hikes ever! If you think this hike was scenic, just wait until you do the Point Lobos Loop. It will blow your mind!!
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