Big Sur

Big Sur

Big Sur is a picturesque region in western California, consisting of 160 km of ruggedly beautiful coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It stretches south from Carmel, south of Monterey, to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. The meandering, narrow, mountainous coastal road offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. The Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has a rich variety of wildlife and about 325 hectares of coastal redwoods and chaparral, and includes the village of Big Sur, about 50 km south of Monterey, bordering the Big Sur River, a short stream in the Santa Lucia Range. Big Sur's diverse climate results in high biodiversity, including many rare and endangered species. Because the high coastal mountains trap moisture from the clouds, foggy weather in summer and rain and snow in winter create a favorable environment for the Coast redwoods of the Big Sur region. Redwood trees can be found close to the ocean, at the bottom of canyons or in inland canyons near streams and other areas that meet the requirements for cooler temperatures and moisture. Because of the drier conditions in the Big Sur region, trees only grow to about 61 meters tall, smaller than those further north. The Big Sur River watershed supports habitat for mountain lion, deer, fox, coyote and non-native wild boar. The area has been historically populated by California Grizzly Bears. This bear was heavier and larger than Grizzly Bears seen elsewhere in the continental United States. It is said that the last Grizzly was seen in 1941 at the mouth of the Little Sur River.