Near Molera Beach Super Loop
Emerald waters!
Near Molera Beach Super Loop
Beautiful Pacific coastline.
Near Molera Beach Super Loop
Crashing waves along the beach.
Near Molera Beach Super Loop
In the surf, Andrew Molera State Park
Near Molera Beach Super Loop
Headlands from Ridge Trail.

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Hike Route

Molera Beach Super Loop

4.7 (20 Ratings)
A nice leisurely stroll on the beach eventually gives way to high ocean views.
6.9
mi
Distance
1,320
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.88mi
Distance
1,320ft
Elevation Gain
1,320ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
1,142ft
High Point
13ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the trailhead, make your way directly to the beach by heading down Creamery Meadow Trail to the West. You'll first encounter a shallow creek to cross within the first 50 yards of the hike. Take your shoes off and wade across.Once you get to the beach, assuming you've checked the tides to make sure you won't get trapped by the water, take a left and continue down the spectacular Big Sur coastline. There may be a couple rock outcroppings that seem to block further progress down the beach but either wade around them (knee deep when I went) or look for the tunnel underneath one of them.When you arrive at the cove where you are to begin heading inland onto a regular trail, look for the driftwood log jam. Scramble inland across these logs and in about 50 yards you'll see the Panorama Trail. From here on out, the trail is pretty self-explanatory. This is also where the majority of the uphill hiking occurs until one reaches the ridge top. From the ridge top, there is a spectacular view up and down the Big Sur coastline. Once you reach Ridge Trail, follow it to the northwest. The Ridge Trail wanders mostly through lightly forested terrain and with minimal elevation gain, traversing the first ridge to the east of the coast.At about mile 5.7, look for Hidden Trail - connects Ridge Trail to River Trail. Descend somewhat steeply on this connector to River Trail and follow it back to the trailhead.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
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