Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is the largest state park on the Big Sur coast—nearly 5,000 acres of stunning California coastline where the Big Sur River meets the Pacific Ocean. This is Big Sur at its most accessible: dramatic coastal bluffs, meadows framed by mountains, and 20+ miles of trails from river bottom to ridgeline panoramas.
Walk the Beach Trail to pristine Molera Beach, hike the Bluff Trail for jaw-dropping ocean views, or challenge yourself on the Ridge Trail for 1,000 feet of elevation with coastal vistas. Stay at the walk-in Trail Camp for an unforgettable Big Sur camping experience.
A seasonal footbridge makes crossing the Big Sur River easy from mid-June through October.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Big Sur, Monterey County, CA |
| 🗺️ Region | Big Sur Coast / Highway 1 |
| 📐 Total Area | ~5,000 acres |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 20+ miles |
| 🌉 Footbridge | June 15 – October 31 |
| 📞 Phone | (831) 667-2315 |
Hiking Trails
| Trail | Miles | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach Trail | ~1 | Easy, flat—river to beach! |
| 🌾 Creamery Meadow Trail | 4 (RT) | Ranch House Museum, meadows |
| 👀 Bluff Trail | 1.7 | Coastal bluff views—stunning! |
| 🌿 Spring Trail | 0.5 | Connector to beach from bluffs |
| 🏔️ Ridge Trail | 2.7 | Strenuous—1,000ft elevation! |
| 🌄 Panorama Trail | 1.9 | Combine with Ridge for epic loop |
🌉 Note: A seasonal footbridge crosses the Big Sur River (installed June 15 – October 31). Without it, you’ll need to wade across!
Molera Beach
Where the Big Sur River meets the Pacific—a wild, beautiful beach with driftwood, crashing waves, and coastal bluffs rising behind you.
- 🏖️ Easy access via Beach Trail (~1 mile)
- 🌊 Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- 📸 Photography paradise
- ⚠️ Cold water, strong currents—not for swimming!
Walk-in Trail Camp
Experience Big Sur camping at the Andrew Molera Trail Camp—a walk-in campground in a meadow near the Big Sur River.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Tent Sites | 22 standard + 2 hike/bike |
| 🚶 Walk-in Distance | ~1/4 mile from parking |
| 📅 Season | ~May 1 – November 1 |
| 📝 Reservations | ReserveCalifornia.com (6 months ahead!) |
| 🔥 Amenities | Fire ring, picnic table, bear box |
| 🚿 Facilities | Potable water, flush toilets (no showers) |
Molera Ranch House Museum
Learn about Big Sur’s ranching history at the historic Molera Ranch House Museum, located near the Creamery Meadow Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Andrew Molera SP — 4,766 acres on the Big Sur coast. The park’s coastal bluffs, redwood groves, meadows, and the Big Sur River support California condors (critically endangered), gray whales (visible from shore), and steelhead trout. The northernmost Big Sur state park.
Nearby Attractions
Big Sur — at the park — one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. Pfeiffer Big Sur SP — 5 miles south. Highway 1 — at the park.
Is Andrew Molera the largest Big Sur state park?
Yes! At nearly 5,000 acres, Andrew Molera State Park is the largest state park on the Big Sur coast. It offers 20+ miles of trails from the Big Sur River to dramatic coastal bluffs and ridgeline panoramas.
Do I need to cross the river to reach the beach?
Yes—but a seasonal footbridge helps! From June 15 to October 31, a footbridge is installed over the Big Sur River. Outside this period, you’ll need to wade across (can be knee-deep or more depending on conditions).
Can I camp at Andrew Molera State Park?
Yes! The walk-in Trail Camp offers 22 tent sites and 2 hike-and-bike sites in a scenic meadow. You’ll walk about a quarter mile from the parking lot. Reservations book 6 months ahead on ReserveCalifornia.com. Season: ~May 1 – November 1.
Can I swim at Molera Beach?
Not recommended! Molera Beach is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with cold water and strong currents. It’s beautiful for walking, photography, and watching waves—but not safe for swimming.
Are there horseback rides at Andrew Molera?
No longer. Horses are no longer permitted on trails within Andrew Molera State Park. The former Molera Horseback Tours operation has closed.
What is the best hike at Andrew Molera?
The Bluffs to Ridge Loop is a popular choice—combining the Bluff Trail’s ocean views with the Ridge Trail’s panoramic coastal vistas. It’s strenuous (1,000ft elevation gain) but rewards with some of Big Sur’s best scenery!
🌊 Discover Big Sur’s Gateway
Hike from river to ridge, walk a pristine beach where the Big Sur River meets the Pacific, and camp under the stars—Andrew Molera State Park is Big Sur at its most accessible!
Explore More California State Parks
Andrew Molera State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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