Beach, Bluffs, Panorama, Ridge, and Creamery Meadow Loop is a 12.9 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Big Sur, California that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
A loop that offers beautiful ocean vistas, meadows and forests. Please note that partial trail closures leading to the beach have been reported for this trail as of 06/16/2020.
February 28, 2021Excellent hike. Beautiful views all the way. I went clockwise. Ridge then panorama then bluffs trail. AllTrails application failed through the hike. $10.00 cash for parking. Very friendly and helpful park ranger attendant at the parking lot. COLD WATER: At the beginning of the hike you must walk about 5 meters through shin-deep, ice cold river water. I didn't expect this, so I wasn't prepared with towel. I ended up doing the hike without socks. That was hard on the feet.
February 27, 2021February 27, 2021hermoso hermoso
February 25, 2021$10 to park. bring towel, creek crossing is knee deep, sandals optional, it's river stone smooth, just brisk. Take ridge trail first If you want an easy ocean side walk back. Visa Versa if you like Mountain and Forest. Ridge trail is wide fire road, Ocean side is narrow single track. 2L of water per person plus snacks will keep you alert enough not to get hurt. there is beach access.
February 22, 2021We made the mistake of starting a bit late in the day and taking the bluffs trail first. Panorama is a long hike at a fairly steep incline so it took us quite some time and we were incredibly exhausted afterwards. I'm out of shape so I was definitely thinking I would pass out or throw up after a few hours of uphill. The beaches are beautiful, panorama has some great views, and ridge has some lovely woods too. Definitely bring a good amount of water and snacks, hat and sunscreen a must. One real water crossing up to your knees in the very beginning and end. Overall I would try it again taking the ridge trail first instead of bluffs.
February 20, 2021Really pretty. Take the ridge trail first.
February 15, 2021Rainy and beautiful
February 14, 2021February 13, 2021February 12, 2021February 9, 2021Loved it! Had to cross a River without bridge. Bring sandals and towel
February 7, 2021I frequently hike this trail, it’s my absolute favorite! This is the trail that made me love hiking! I just hiked it again yesterday. The footbridge that goes across the river is still gone (for the season?) so you’ll have to walk through the water (although I’ve heard there’s another place you can cross, but, I’ve yet to find it). I just bring a towel in my pack so I can kick off my shoes, carry them in hand, and walk through. The water is just above knee height (I’m 5’7”) and not cold enough to keep me from going through. Get to the other side, dry off, and you’re on the way! We had a storm recently, so I posted some pictures of where there is some mild debris in the way, but nothing that can’t be passed. Only one spot where I had to think of a game plan, but I was able to tip toe around the side to get over the water without dunking my feet (and I used some tree branches to hold for stability). I still give this trail
February 7, 2021Absolutely beautiful hike. Bridge is still out. Bring sandals for stream crossing. Clockwise is the way to go. Great trail markers.
February 6, 2021Beautiful and a good work out! Through and through amazing. Cold creek in the beginning and end (but worth the cross)
January 22, 2021Beautiful trail. Not strenuous, but truly enjoyable from start to finish. My boyfriend and I got there before the crowds (around 8:30am) on a Saturday and had most of the trail to ourselves. It was very crowded heading back to the parking lot, so go early if you want to avoid crowds!
January 19, 2021One of the best hikes I've gone to. There's a small steam at the start of the hike, wear a sandal until you pass that stream and then change to your shoe. I personally feel doing it clockwise is a little easier as it has wider path during the ascent. And during the descent you get a nice view of the ocean and it makes the hike even more enjoyable. Check the weather before going, if it's raining or it has rained the day before, it feels little slippery during the descent if you're doing clockwise. Pro tip, don't take too much rest when you reach the top, because during the descent you can go to a beach half way through the descent phase and rest a little in the beach. If you're starting after 11 on a sunny day, carry ample amount of water as the shades are minimal. If you don't want to park your car on the side of the road, there's a paid parking lot, you can park it there for $10 per day.
January 18, 2021January 18, 2021January 17, 2021Don’t overlook the elevation. It’s a steep incline followed by a steep decline. It’s insane.
January 17, 2021Brutal.
January 17, 2021Creek crossing in the beginning. Start the hike to the left and do it clockwise then you will face the ocean as you walk down the path. Lots of water.
January 11, 2021Great hike with a taste of beach forest and mountains all in one. Right now there are some closures so be prepared to cross the creek which is about knee deep!
January 11, 2021Great hike! Bridge at the beginning is down for the season so you have to walk across a smooth stone river that is about ankle deep and rather cold so if you have sensitive feet, bring flip flops or other water shoes. Also as others have stated the park fee is $10 and it is cash only
January 10, 2021This is our 2nd hike. We started in early afternoon to catch sunset view, at beginning of trail, prepare to cross a 15 feet wide stream 20” deep, water is very cold but easy enough to pass. Clockwise: Ridge trail, Panorama trail and closing with Bluff trail, breathtaking views all along. Bring head lamps just in case. We came back to parking lot after dark, and lucky enough to see the sapphire sky with millions of glittering stars absolutely beautiful beyond imagination!
January 10, 2021Awesome hike! While crossing the small river in the beginning though I did hit my big toe on a rock which bled a lot but fortunately it didn’t hurt much and I had a first aid kit handy. Started the trail off on bluffs trail (counter clockwise) which was beautiful and the steady incline was a great leg workout. Beginning the loop of ridge trail (clockwise) would have been pretty seeing the ocean coming down but a lot of downhill is pretty hard on knees. Either way is great though!
January 9, 2021Amazing hike! Went clockwise this time and look forward to returning again soon to try it counterclockwise.
January 3, 2021electrifying
