• Lifestyle,  Travel

    Twelve Best Places to Hike in Monterey County!

    April 16, 2021 /

    Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt~ John Muir. One of the nicest things about living here in Monterey County is the plethora of areas to hike. No matter your age or experience, there is always a trail for you here. The following is my list of the twelve best places to hike in Monterey County.

    Lined up like beach bananas, these harbor seals have found a peaceful paradise in which to snooze at Point Lobos.

    #1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.  Located three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Point Lobos has very easy walking trails as well as more challenging hiking trails from .8 to 2.9 miles.  It provides a tantalizing sensory experience with the sunlight sparkling on the bay and the fresh scent of towering cypress trees.  You will also have some great views of wildlife here.  Park your car outside the park and enter for free!  No dogs are allowed.  For more information, see Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks.

    #2. Andrew Molera State Park. This is located 20 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. Some of my die-hard hiking friends swear this is their #1 go-to hike. The shortest hike here is 1.7 miles and the longest, per my hiking friend Brian, is about 10 miles. Hikes vary from easy to strenuous. Keep in mind that in the spring, the Big Sur River can become swollen and you will have to wade across. Otherwise, there is a seasonal foot bridge when the river is low. A really cool thing about this area is the magenta and purple hued sand. This is due to the dramatic manganese cliffs along shoreline. It is not uncommon to spot whales from the beach here. It is one of the local favorites for sure! No dogs are allowed. For more information, see Andrew Molera.

    #3. Garrapata State Beach. Located 6.7 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Garrapata is another local favorite. It features spectacular views of rock formations, cliffs, and wildflowers that are simply magical. In addition, Doud Creek runs through exquisite Calla Lily Valley to the sea near this 1.1 mile loop. This is a moderate level hike due to the steep staircase and uneven terrain. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.

    #4. Partington Cove. Address: 51354-51358 Highway 1, Big Sur. This is a 1.1 mile trail featuring wildflowers, a waterfall, a wooden bridge, and a cool tunnel. I would highly recommend this for families with kids, it’s super fun and not too strenuous. For more information, see Partington Cove: Tanbark Tunnel to the Sea. Keep in mind you will need to navigate a steep hill to get back to the road.

    #5. Jade Cove. This is pretty hard to find, but oh so worth it. Located on Highway 1 approximately 60 miles south of Carmel and 30 miles north of San Simeon, this is a hidden gem. This is a .3 mile hike that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and also an enchanting hike down to the beach to look for beautiful Big Sur jade. Because it is very challenging to get from the cliffside down to the beach, this is a moderate hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. For more information, see Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in Big Sur.

    #6. Fort Old National Monument-Badger Hills Trailhead. This is located between Salinas and Monterey at 692-696 Highway 68. In the early spring, hundreds of goats dot the hillside, munching away to help mitigate wildfire risk. The wide former military roads are perfect for social distancing, but there are also many more secluded and narrow dirt trails. This is good place for beginners through advanced hikers as there are multiple levels of difficulty and lengths you can choose. Tons of mountain bikers come here too. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. For more information, see Fort Ord.

    #7. McWay Falls. Located at 52801 Highway 1, Big Sur, this is another family friendly, easy hike from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The Waterfall Trail is only .6 miles and the reward is seeing the majestic 80 foot waterfall plunging to the turquoise ocean below. For more information, see McWay Falls: Beauty & History in Big Sur.

    #8. Tanbark Trail & Tin House to Ewoldsen. For a pretty difficult and longer hike, try the Tanbark Trail and Tin House Loop to the Ewoldsen Trail which will bring you to McWay Falls at the end. This hike starts across the road from Partington Cove. The trail travels through groves of redwoods to a dilapidated yet iconic tin home built in 1944 by Lathrop Brown. It then winds down through the forest to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls. It can be quite confusing to make sure you are on the correct trails, so I would recommend studying up exhaustively before attempting this. For more information, see Big Sur Hikes.

    #9. Inspiration Point at Palo Corona Regional Park. Address: 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA. You start out walking past dozens of black mooing cows in a peaceful pasture before you start up a steep incline through coastal oaks. This is a 1.3 mile 850 foot elevation hike with gorgeous birds eye views of the Carmel coastline. I think this would be a great romantic date hike, especially at sunset. Dogs on leash are allowed only in the north park area; no dogs allowed south of South Bank Trail. for more information, see Palo Corona.

    #10. Jack’s Peak County Park. Address: 25020 Jacks Peak Rd., Monterey, CA. This park features breathtaking views of the ocean at Monterey Bay. It also has the largest native pine forest in the world. It has eight moderate trails from 1.8 to 6.6 miles. Most trails are fairly narrow so there is a great deal of squeezing by oncoming hikers. Dogs are allowed on leash. There are lots of picnic tables and benches so it’s a great place to enjoy a snack or meal after your hike! For more information, see The Strange Saga of Monterey Jack.

    #11. Garland Ranch Regional Park. Located at 700 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, this is a very popular spot for hikers with dogs. To enter the park you cross above the lovely Carmel River on a bridge. Inside the park are trails for everyone, from beginners to advanced hikers. Some of the most challenging hikes here include the Snivley’s Ridge Trail which is 14.2 miles and The Pinyon Peak Trail which is an 8.7 mile loop to the old fire lookout tower. For more information, see Garland Park.

    #12. Pinnacles National Park. Address: 5000 Hwy 146, Paicines, Ca. Formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago, Pinnacles is simply stunning. From waterfalls coming through the cave roofs, to stone spires, to doorways formed in rock, to Bear Gulch Reservoir, to wildflowers and more, this is the crème de la crème of hiking areas. There are trails here for everybody, from easy to strenuous. Located in the far southeast corner of Monterey County, Pinnacles has two entrances, one off Hwy 25 south of Hollister, and also east of King City. Dogs are not allowed on any of the hiking trails. For more information, see Pinnacles.

    My friend Brian and I hiking with friends in Big Sur back in 2015.

    I hope you enjoyed this post on my twelve favorite hikes in Monterey County.  Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, joy, happiness & beautiful vistas.

  • Local Events,  Travel

    Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks

    January 25, 2019 /

    With turquoise waves crashing onto pristine sandy beaches, sunlight cascading through towering cypress trees, and beautiful flora and fauna surrounding you, it’s hard not to fall in love with Point Lobos.  Located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos is named for a rock formation called Punta de los Lobos Marinos, or Point of the Sea Wolves.  It is considered the “crown jewel” of the state park system.  Whenever I have visitors from out of town, this is one of the first places I take them.

    Point Lobos is one of only two places where the rare Monterey Cypress are found.

    One of the first things you may notice when you enter Point Lobos is the wonderful olfactory experience.  If you could bottle this fresh, piney, ocean scent, I’m sure it would outsell Tom Ford.  If you have sinus problems or a headache I think you should come here and just inhale the clean, sweet air.  I swear it is that powerful.  I love the scent, the scenery, and the flexibility of the trails here.  It doesn’t matter if you are wheelchair bound or have scaled Half Dome at Yosemite, there are trails here for everyone.

    Multiple movies have been filmed here, including Treasure Island, Lassie Come Home, The Sandpiper, The Graduate, and Turner and Hooch.

    You may see Gray, Humpback & Blue Whales in the area as well as other wildlife.

    History buffs may enjoy the Whaler’s Cabin and museum filled with interesting artifacts relating to the history of the area.  Whales were widely hunted here  (I know, it makes me sad too) for their oil.  Apparently, whale oil was quite the commodity until the early 1880s.  It was used primarily for lamp fuel until it was replaced by cheaper petroleum products.  Abalone was another industry at Point Lobos.

    Over time, Point Lobos evolved from the whale and abalone industry to an area to simply enjoy nature, thanks to the efforts of Alexander MacMillan Allan, who began purchasing the land in 1898 in an attempt to preserve it, and the State Parks Commission who in turn purchased it from him in 1933.  Thanks to the forethought and dedication of Mr. Allan, we are able to enjoy this pristine beauty today.

    My favorite trail here is the North Shore Trail which leads you along the ocean’s edge with breathtaking views of the forest and sea.  This time of year, harbor seals are giving birth and you may see areas cordoned off to protect the mothers and their pups.  Be aware that on this particular trail you may have to squeeze by or climb over boulders and/or navigate large tree roots and rocky, uneven terrain.  The trail ends in a large meadow which leads to a parking lot.  You can continue to follow the trail on the right side of the parking lot to view exquisite overlooks of the beach.

    Numerous benches are placed along all trails, offering a place to enjoy a picnic lunch or simply contemplate the beauty around you.

    Beware the tree roots!

    Point Lobos offers poetry walks on Wednesday afternoons.  Apparently, these are led by a docent with sojourns to various spots to contemplate the area’s beauty and write poems.  While I love poetry I will refrain from attempting to entertain you with one of my own concoctions.  I recommend that they also host Plein Air wine & paint sessions, I would definitely sign up for that!

    I think that if you only have time to do one hike in the Monterey area, this is it.  It has trails for all levels and it has spectacular, unparalleled views.  I would personally rate Point Lobos a 10 and also give it summa cum laude honors.  You will not be disappointed!

    These fungi were everywhere at Point Lobos.  I do not think they are edible but they are very pretty!

    Point Lobos is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.  For more information, see Point Lobos.

    HELPFUL HINTS:

    • Park alongside Highway 1 just south of Monastery Beach for free and follow the path to the entrance as inside parking is usually full.
    • I recommend coming during the week as weekends can be crazy busy!
    • Dogs & Horses are not allowed.
    • Smoking is forbidden.  (Although when I was there, a girl was quite flauntaciously smoking whilst hiking.  I made that word up, by the way; it is a combination of flaunt and ostentatious.  Basically, she was being  a stinker doodle.)
    • Bicycles are not allowed on the trails.
    • Fishing is not allowed.
    • Restrooms are available at the parking lots at both the beginning and end of the North Shore Trail.
    •  Kayaking and Scuba diving are allowed.  Bring your own stuff, because no equipment rentals are provided.   A popular scuba diving area is at Whaler’s Cove.  You can make reservations up to three months in advance.  For more information see scuba diving.
    • Binoculars may be checked out from the information station to view sea otters, seals, whales, and birds.
    • Wear layers of clothing as it can be chilly and windy at times.

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!

  • Food,  Local Events,  Travel

    Ventana: Birthday Celebration in Beautiful Big Sur

    July 13, 2018 /
    This is the third in my series of iconic Big Sur restaurant reviews; see links for Nepenthe and Big Sur River Inn.
    A thick veil of fog hovers over the water and blankets the hills as we head south on Highway 1. The road twists and turns, hugging the coastline. As we near Garrapata, torpedo-like rock formations of sandstone appear otherworldly. The ocean rumbles and waves gallop like horses toward the shore, creating milky froth as they crash into and over jagged rocks. There are four squid boats anchored off Rocky Point, their eerie green and yellow lights penetrating the mist.
    We are headed for my birthday celebration at Ventana, a resort complex in the most heavenly location ever.  Ventana means “window” in Spanish. Secluded between the Santa Lucia mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Ventana’s weathered cedar structures perch on a hillside 1200 feet above the coast. Picturesque Post Creek meanders through the 160-acre property, which contains landscaped pathways, canyons, groves of redwoods, Japanese hot baths and two pools. There are 59 guest rooms, suites, and villas and 15 safari-style canvas “glamping” tents, as well as tent only camping sites.
    History
    Ventana is located on land first homesteaded by the Post family in 1890. The Post home, which housed several generations of the family, still stands at the entrance. Ventana first opened in 1975, the creation of Lawrence Spector. Spector co-produced the 1969 anti-establishment hit “Easy Rider” which was written by Peter Fonda, Terry Southern, and Dennis Hopper. Ventana still retains vestiges of its ‘70s hippie beginnings, from its original weathered cedar siding to its clothing-optional policy in the hot baths and the Mountain Pool and nude sunbathing in prescribed areas. From the beginning, Ventana has drawn celebrities, including Dennis Hopper, Ali McGraw, Steve McQueen, Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, Barbara Streisand, Julia Roberts, Robert DeNiro, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, and Lupita Nyong’o, among many others.
     
    Glamping
    The glamping area, one of the newest renovations, is nestled in a 20-acre ancient redwood forest a half mile hike beneath the main resort. Each tent includes beds with luxury hotel linens, hot and cold water, and propane- and wood-burning fire pits. All glamping furniture is built from “reclaimed” redwood from the property. Ascot wine-and-cheese picnic backpacks,  custom curated picnic baskets, natural timber walking sticks, and daily housekeeping service are also provided. But wait, there’s more! The glamping tents also include electrical and USB plug-ins, teak-enclosed showers with heated floors, a sheet turndown service every night, hot cocoa, and hot-water bottles to warm your sheets.  Apparently, these are often sold out.  Actress Mandy Moore recently celebrated her birthday during a girls’ glamping weekend at Ventana.
    Classes
    This IS Big Sur and not surprisingly, Ventana also offers some pretty far-out classes, including meditation, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, beekeeping, charcoal sketching, mandala coloring for couples, string art & mindfulness, candle making and aromatherapy, bird-watching, photography hikes, mushroom foraging, daily hour-long guided walks, and drum circles. Taylor Swift recently took a falconry class at Ventana during her stay this year.
    Glass House

    The Glass House Gallery sells paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, ceramics and local photography. You can have your picture taken on the see-through overlook outside the gallery and fool your friends into thinking you are standing on the edge of a precipice!
    Weddings
    Ventana hosts many weddings. Their website states “Imagine saying your vows overlooking the canyons and forest or surrounded by redwoods. Enjoying a sunset reception or dinner under a canopied arbor. And dancing under the stars to celebrate your new adventure together.” Apparently, both Natalie Portman and Ann Hathaway could imagine this. Both had their wedding receptions here.
    The Restaurant
    The Sur House restaurant features delicious concoctions by Executive Chef Paul Corsentino. Meals feature coastal cuisine, including local seafood, free-range meats, and fresh produce from Ventana’s gardens. There is also a 10,000-bottle wine cellar featuring central coast wines selected by local vintners and Ventana’s sommelier. Craft cocktails and beer are also offered. Sur House decor is both elegant and rustic, featuring natural wood and leather furnishings.
    We arrived at our 6:30 pm reservation time and had planned to dine on the terrace. Instead, we were told that we could not be seated outdoors for our meal because “the temperature drops too quickly” and it would be too cold for us. The temperature was a balmy 75 degrees, nonetheless, we were ushered to an indoor table by a window where, like a fish in a glass aquarium, I could envy, in the distance, a couple having drinks at a table overlooking the ocean. After ordering our food, I dashed outside to get some photos of the terrace.
    Ventana offers a prix fixe meal; you are offered four courses for a set price. However, they do allow you to order items a la carte. My friend and I shared our first and second courses, the tuna tartare and soft shell crab with tropical fruit, melon salsa, and Napa cabbage. For the third course, my friend ordered the Alaskan Halibut and I the Ora King Salmon. These were both superb. For my birthday, they brought a platter with samplings of ice cream, mousse, fruit, and cake. I felt like I had just finished Thanksgiving dinner when we were through. It was decadent and thoroughly satisfying.
    Following our meal, I watched through the window as hummingbirds levitated up and down through the air. Then three black crows landed on the terrace, the black of their feathers contrasting with the deep oranges and reds of the landscaping and furniture. It was a wonderful birthday. Good food, fresh air, and a beautiful vista of the ocean. And that’s what Big Sur is all about.
    • For more information see Ventana.  
    • Address: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920.  Directions on how to get here.
    • Phone: 800-427-7623.
    • Sample Menus
    • Check road conditions before you go, it is easy to do. Go to  Caltrans  and enter 1 (the highway number) then search. 

    Thank you for visiting my blog.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!