Ever wonder what it feels like to stand at the edge of the world? That’s what awaits in San Simeon and Ragged Point, where trails carve through untamed wilderness like nature’s own choose-your-own-adventure story. Here, paths meander from gentle coastal walks to summit-seeking challenges, each one offering those postcard-perfect Pacific views that make California, well, California.
The best part? There’s no need to fight crowds or rush through your wandering. Maybe you’ll pull over for what you think is a quick peek at the coastline, only to find yourself following a trail into the afternoon. Or perhaps you’ll pack a proper picnic – think local cheese, crusty bread, and sun-ripened fruit – and make a whole day of it. Either way, you’re doing it right.
Want our local secret? Layer up (the coastal breeze likes to play games), toss some water and sturdy shoes in your bag, and let curiosity be your guide. Bring binoculars if you’re into spotting migrating whales or soaring raptors. Or pack some watercolors and watch the changing light paint the cliffs in shades you didn’t even know existed. After all, life’s best moments can’t be planned, and some of the most epic adventures don’t take reservations.
EXPERIENCE SAN SIMEON AND RAGGED POINT HIKING
San Simeon Hiking Trails
Boucher Trail
This easy out-and-back San Simeon hiking trail includes some of the finest views of the Northern Elephant Seals and the Piedras Blancas Light Station. At 3.8 miles round-trip, the Boucher Trail offers a nice distance without requiring climbing or anything too strenuous. Take a morning or afternoon stroll along this picturesque path, or tack it onto a visit to see the Elephant Seals. This trail provides several opportunities to get a good look at these magnificent creatures in their natural environment on the beach. You can also add in a docent-led tour of the Piedras Blancas Light Station, built in 1875 and still operating today. The lighthouse provides a glimpse into the history and heritage of this part of the Central Coast, midway along the trail. Access to the light station grounds is by guided tour only. At different points, the path includes wide trails, both paved and dirt, and even some sections of boardwalk.
To reach the Boucher Trailhead, drive Highway 1 46 miles north of San Luis Obispo to the main Elephant Seal Rookery parking lot. Alternatively, park a quarter mile north (the official trailhead) or even at the end of the trail, 2 miles north of that. Options other than the main Rookery parking lot will be less crowded. All parking is free in these lots.
There are two lookout spots along the Boucher Trail that provide excellent viewing of the Elephant Seals without the crowds. Look for them at 10 minutes north of the main Rookery parking lot and again 15 minutes north of that. The total time to walk the trail out and back is about 1.5 hours.
Dogs are not permitted on the Boucher trail. Also, the trail provides no restrooms or trash cans, so plan ahead accordingly.
Distance: 3.8 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty Level: Easy
Wildlife: Elephant seals, birds
Scenic Highlights: Views of Piedras Blancas Light Station, ocean vistas
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time to Hike: All year, best in spring for birdwatching
Amenities: None
Parking Information: Near the Elephant Seal Rookery
Permits and Fees: None
Nearby Attractions: Elephant Seals, Piedras Blancas Light Station
San Simeon Point Trail
A locals’ favorite, the San Simeon Point Trail is sometimes also referred to as the Beach Trail, Cove Trail, or Pier Trail. It starts from one of the best beaches in California, W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach, and ends at a scenic coastal point. At one time, this point was to become a resort and golf course, but thanks to local advocacy, it remains untouched and open. Spend a day at the beach, kayak the bay, visit the Coastal Discovery Center, fish the pier, or even tour Hearst Castle. Then add a walk along this 2.5-mile easy roundtrip trail — or do the trail alone. Head north along the shore, then through a magical, sun-dappled forest where branches hang with lacey Spanish moss. Emerge at the point and maybe spy a migrating whale or two offshore. However you choose to do it, you’ll soon discover why media mogul W.R. Hearst once wanted this cove all to himself.
To get to the trailhead, drive 40 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1. Make a left on San Simeon Road and head to the parking lot beside W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach. Parking is free. Dogs are permitted on the trail on leash, and restrooms are available at the beach parking lot.
Distance: 2.5 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty Level: Easy
Wildlife: Seabirds, marine life, seals
Scenic Highlights: San Simeon Cove, ocean views, rock formations
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on-leash
Best Time to Hike: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures
Amenities: Picnic areas near trailhead
Parking Information: William R. Hearst Memorial Beach parking lot
Permits and Fees: None
Nearby Attractions: Hearst Castle, William R. Hearst State Beach
Junge Ranch Trail
Part of this property once belonged to the Junge family before Hearst purchased it for Hearst Ranch. In 2004, the state added it to the $95 million Hearst State Park conservation deal and it’s been open to hikers ever since. Walk over easy primitive terrain for this picturesque 2.2-mile out-and-back hike that takes in coastal bluff views and the Santa Lucia Mountains. This hike is especially stunning during the spring, when wildflowers bloom and the hills are green. Along the way, find beach access at three different places (actually highway vista stops). At the seasonal creek midway through the walk, surfers can sometimes be found waiting for waves. (This spot is called “Cardiacs” because its waves break right on the rocks. Advanced surfers only!) Fishing for shallow water fish happens in this spot, as well.
Stop for a picnic on the sand or explore the tidepools at low tide for anemones, urchins and sea stars. You can even take this trail its full length north to Hearst Memorial State Beach, just over an hour of walking without stops. Find much of Highway 1’s best beachcombing here, including sea glass, sea shells, and driftwood. Watch seals relax on the rocks, otters playing offshore, Brandt’s cormorants, and maybe even a migrating grey whale. The setting feels remote, even though Highway 1 stands just a few hundred yards away.
To reach the trailhead, Drive 37 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1. Just past the San Simeon State Campground, turn left on San Simeon Creek Road, then head north (right) on Lone Palm Drive. Park at the end of the street to start the walk. (Alternatively, park at Hearst State Beach and walk south on the Junge Ranch Trail.) The trail is dog friendly for pups on leash.
Distance: 2.2 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty Level: Easy
Wildlife: Coastal birds, tidepool life
Scenic Highlights: Ocean views, tidepools (at low tide)
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on-leash
Best Time to Hike: Low tide for tidepool exploration
Amenities: None
Parking Information: Corner of Vista Del Mar & Balboa or end of Lone Palm Dr.
Permits and Fees: None
Nearby Attractions: Hearst Castle, San Simeon State Park
Washburn Campground Trails
This San Simeon hiking trail is known by many names: San Simeon State Park Trail, Washburn Campground Trail and San Simeon Creek Trail. Walk easy terrain for a 3.5-mile semi-loop through the Washburn Campground, part of Hearst San Simeon State Park, inland from the coast. The family-friendly trail winds through sections of the San Simeon Natural Preserve as well, taking in scenic vistas, pine groves and open wetlands. In the spring, these views also include carpets of exuberant and colorful wildflowers. Along the way, benches allow hikers to rest or grab a snack, and interpretive signs share information about the trail’s abundant wildlife. Without stops, this hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
To locate the Washburn Campground trailhead, drive 38 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1/ Turn right into the Hearst San Simeon State Park. Follow signs to the Washburn Day Use Area and park near the public restrooms. Find the nearby boardwalk and follow it to the start of the trailhead, walking south and up into the pine tree forest. Don’t miss the side trail that travels over a bluff above San Simeon Creek. At the upper State Park camping area, turn left to reach the trail’s starting point, or walk further for a larger loop that makes this hike longer. Dogs are not permitted on the trail. Parking is free and restrooms are available.
Distance: 3.5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Wildlife: Deer, birds, coastal plants
Scenic Highlights: Inland views, grassy meadows
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on-leash
Best Time to Hike: All year, avoid midday summer heat
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas
Parking Information: Washburn Day Use Area at San Simeon State Park
Permits and Fees: Day use fee at State Park is $10
Nearby Attractions: San Simeon State Park, William R. Hearst Memorial Beach
Point Sierra Nevada Trail
This fairly unknown beach trail covers Point Sierra Nevada, north of San Simeon and Point Piedras Blancas, part of Hearst State Park. Find an uncrowded 2-mile round-trip trail along a narrow path, past rugged coves and onto a sandy, wide beach. Coastal wildflowers bloom alongside the dunes in spring, painting the coastline like watercolors. This trail is easy and provides some of the best beachcombing around, especially driftwood sculpted by time and the sea. When visiting at low tide, discover tide pools along the northern point of the beach, where hermit crabs skitter over the rocks. Other wildlife include sea birds, seals, and whales during migration season. At the point, this walk provides a remote and peaceful place to take in the sea air and watch the waves.
To reach Point Sierra Nevada Dunes Beach, find two pull-outs along Highway 1 north of Piedras Blancas, 9 miles north of San Simeon. Trails lead to the shore from these pullouts. At the southern entrance, be prepared to squeeze through a barbed-wire fence for more direct access. Alternatively, add a little time to your hike by using the wooden pedestrian opening at the northern trailhead entrance. Dogs are not permitted on this trail, nor are restrooms provided.
Distance: 2 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty Level: Easy
Wildlife: Seabirds, shorebirds, marine life
Scenic Highlights: Coastal cliffs, ocean views
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time to Hike: Year-round, mornings for cooler weather
Amenities: None
Parking Information: William R. Hearst Memorial Beach parking lot
Permits and Fees: None
Nearby Attractions: Hearst Castle, San Simeon Point Trail
Hiking Trails Near Ragged Point
San Carpoforo Creek Trail
Short and sweet, this Ragged Point hiking trail traces the southern boundary of Big Sur, making for a short, easy and scenic walk. Follow in the footsteps of the sailors on Portola’s expedition of 1769, who walked beside San Carpoforo Creek into the Santa Lucia Mountains. Here, they took advantage of fishing the steelheads that swim the creek — both then and now. In the case of the San Carpoforo Creek Trail, the path travels downstream to the ocean. This part of Highway 1 goes largely unnoticed, making it one of the best hidden gems on the coast. Starting with a narrow dirt path, follow the trail out and back for 1 mile out and back, including beach access at low tide. Along the trail, watch for Western Snowy Plover, a protected bird species that makes its home between the trailhead and the sea. Life abounds at this intersection of saltwater and freshwater, with seals, otters, and multiple seabird species. Wildflowers also grow here after the winter rains, under the warm spring sun. And, if time allows, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the sunset on the beach beside San Carpoforo Creek. The trail takes 1 hour or less to walk.
To locate the trailhead, drive 55 miles on Highway 1 north from San Luis Obispo, or 14 miles north Hearst Castle. San Carpoforo Creek is identified by a sign along the highway. Pass the sign and park on the highway’s west side, across the street from a solitary ranch house, leaving the gate accessible. Walk past the gate and follow the single-track trail down to the beach. Dogs are permitted on this trail; as this is in a remote area, restrooms are unavailable.
Distance: 1 mile (out and back)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty Level: Easy
Wildlife: Birds, wildflowers (seasonal)
Scenic Highlights: Beach access, creek crossing, Big Sur coastline
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on-leash
Best Time to Hike: Spring for wildflowers, low tide for beach access
Amenities: None
Parking Information: Pull-out area on Highway 1
Permits and Fees: None
Nearby Attractions: Ragged Point
Black Swift Falls Trail (Waterfall Trail)
This difficult but rewarding trail is known by several names, including the Black Swift Falls Trail, and the Waterfall Trail. But no matter what you call it, this is a spectacularly scenic hike just south of Big Sur. Though the Black Swift Falls Trail only covers 0.8 miles out and back, it descends and then ascends 300 feet in elevation. Budget to spend about an hour for the hike. The path follows narrow and rocky switchbacks, so grippy hiking shoes are a must. At the bottom, find the payoff for all that elevation with a waterfall cascading onto a black sand beach. Due to its unusually dark color, the sand here is often warmer than anywhere else nearby. Find shorebirds here, as well as views of the steep, majestic cliffs you just descended.
To reach the trailhead, drive 15 miles north of the Hearst Castle entrance on Highway 1. Pull into the northernmost parking lot of the Ragged Point Inn and walk to the grassy area overlooking the high bluffs. Find the sign that reads “Nature Trail” for the trailhead. Restrooms are available at the inn; dogs may travel this trail on leash.
Distance: 0.8 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 300 feet (steep descent)
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Wildlife: Coastal birds, marine life
Scenic Highlights: Black sand beach, waterfall
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time to Hike: Morning for cooler temperatures, avoid during rain
Amenities: Restaurant & Inn at the trailhead
Parking Information: Ragged Point Inn parking lot
Permits and Fees: None
Nearby Attractions: Ragged Point Inn
Fire Road Trail Hike
Looking for a serious challenge? This strenuous Ragged Point hiking trail covers 4 miles out and back, and gains 1,700 feet in elevation. For those seeking a workout, this is one of the best ascents on the Central Coast, with some of the best views. Because the ocean is almost always in view, however, hikers wanting a 30-minute trek can still experience the rewards of a quick climb. While it’s never especially steep, this trail climbs up and up the whole way, with no flats at all. Despite the elevation challenge, the trail follows a graded fire road that’s very easy to hike. At the top, find a grassy glen and gnarled old oak trees to shade a picnic or a mid-hike snooze.
This trailhead is conveniently located just across Highway 1 from Ragged Point Inn at the southern end of Los Padres National Forest. Drive 15 miles north from Hearst Castle on Highway 1 and park in the Ragged Point Inn parking lot. Crossing to the east side of the highway, look for a Forest Service sign and a gate over the fire road: this is the trailhead. Be aware that this hike doesn’t offer much shade, so plan to bring a hat, sunscreen and water at minimum. Dogs are allowed on this trail on leash.
Distance: 4 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: Moderate to steep
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Wildlife: Birds, native plants
Scenic Highlights: Panoramic views of Big Sur coastline
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on-leash
Best Time to Hike: Year-round, ideal in the cooler months
Amenities: Restaurant & Inn Nearby
Parking Information: Ragged Point Inn parking lot
Permits and Fees: None
Nearby Attractions: Ragged Point Inn
Stewardship travel for good
Want to learn more about this spellbinding place we call home? The Stewardship Travel for Good program brings travelers closer to the heart of the Central Coast with activities that do everyone good. If you’ve connected with San Simeon’s beaches, why not help with a beach clean-up? San Simeon State Park and W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach welcomes visitors to chip in to keep our beaches healthy. Or get hands-on with the Coastal Discovery Center through their citizen science Plankton Monitoring Program. Consider these and dozens of other bite-sized activities that do good and feel good on our special stretch of Highway 1.
What’s Nearby
Once you’ve kicked up some dust on those hiking boots, you’ll want to explore so much more in these coastal hideaways. Maybe you’ll find yourself sipping local wines at sunset in San Simeon, or spotting migrating whales from Ragged point’s dramatic cliffs. The beauty of Highway 1 is that each stop can turn into its own adventure. Ready to discover what else these spots have in store? Check out our complete guides for Things To Do In San Simeon and Things To Do In Ragged Point. After all, the most epic adventures don’t take reservations—they just need you to show up.
