Big Sur is one of the most spectacular gems of the California Coast, and the views are at their best from Andrew Molera State Park, 22 miles south of Carmel. There are over 4,800 acres of undeveloped land and 15 miles of trails to choose from here, but one of the most spectacular routes is a roughly 8 mile loop along the Ridge Trail and the Panorama Trail. As their names suggest, these trails have some impressive views of the coast from way up high. Note the bridge to cross the Big Sur River is only in place seasonally — make sure to visit at a time when crossing is possible. (Much of Big Sur suffered damage from landslides in 2017, so it’s a good idea to call ahead for trail conditions).
Allie Caulfield
Features:
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Essentials
- 8 miles, with shorter out and back options
- 1298 feet
- Beach Trailhead
- Andrew Molera Drive
Current Weather & Forecast
Monterey, US
10:34 pm,
Jun 2, 2026
overcast clouds
12°C
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Other Routes in Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur, CA
The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail spans the coast of Monterey between Pacific Grove and Castroville. The former railway is now a wide, 18-mile multi-use path featuring a variety of spectacular scenery and some of the area's key attractions.
11 mile seaside road between Carmel and Monterey. Wonderful views. It's possible to run along the entire road, but the section with the widest shoulder and great views is 4 miles between Cypress Point and Asilomar.
For a quick access beach run just outside Carmel, look no further than Asilomar State Beach, a local favorite for a roughly two mile out and back with amazing coastal views.
State Park has a 1,500 foot trail to 4 miles of ocean beach with beautiful views of Monterey Bay. Gorgeous dunes. Several miles of roads and trails in the park that are good for running and cycling. The beach is also runnable.
If you favor running on sand, the uninterrupted stretch of beach between Del Monte Beach and Moss Landing is a great route for a roughly 2.5 mile out and back on nothing but gently graded pristine white sands.
One of the great runs anywhere: Combine the fab ocean views and incredible homes along 2-mile Scenic Road with the charming Golden Rectangle neighborhood and trails through redwoods in Mission Trail Park. Carmel Beach also runnable.
Point Lobos is a popular spot for good reason — it’s one of the most scenic public locations along the length of Big Sur. The Perimeter Loop, which covers about 4.5 miles of the park’s most scenic trails, is in great condition for running.
The highest point along the Monterey Peninsula, Jacks Peak is the go-to trail run for locals who want to skip the busier tracks along the coast and still get in some killer views. 500 acres, 8 miles of trails. Hilly but not too technical.
The Old Coast Road is a beautiful dirt track which covers about 10 miles from Andrew Molera State Park in the south to what is now the Bixby Bridge. Fantastic views. Hilly. It's a great alternative to Rt. 1, which is not safe for running.
1,000 acre state park is heart of Big Sur.Wonderful trail running, with excellent variety, from coastal forest to oceanside views. Currently, the best open trail is Buzzard’s Roost Trail, a moderate three miles loop from the Cabrillo Highway.
Fantastic running options in this coastal city located 30 miles south of San Jose. Cliffside running trails, redwood forests, the gorgeous campus of UC Santa Cruz, a riverside path, and great beach running. Could runners ask for more?
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