Ridge Trail

Ridge Trail at Andrew Molera State Park climbs steeply from the coastal valley to a high ridgeline with breathtaking views of the entire Big Sur coastline, the Santa Lucia Range, and on exceptional days the Channel Islands far to the south. The trail ascends through a progression of coastal scrub, chaparral, and eventually open grassland on the upper ridge, with the Pacific Ocean visible almost immediately and expanding into a broader panorama with each hundred feet of elevation gained. The exposed ridge provides prime thermal conditions for soaring raptors and California condors, and patient observers from the high point may witness multiple condors at once, a remarkable sight given that this species was reduced to only 27 individuals in the 1980s before a captive breeding program began its recovery. The ridgeline also channels coastal breezes that keep temperatures cooler than the valley below, making this trail rewarding even in summer. The view south along the Big Sur coast from the ridge top reveals the dramatic succession of headlands and coves that make this one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. Tule elk, reintroduced to coastal California, are occasionally spotted on the open ridge grasslands. The descent retraces the ascent route, offering different lighting perspectives on the coastal scenery. Water is essential as there are no sources along this exposed trail, and sun protection is critical on the open ridge sections.