Garrapata State Park

Phone Number

(831) 624-4909

Park Hours

8 AM – Sunset

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs allowed on the beach at Gate 19 (south end of the park) and trails leading to it. Dogs not allowed in all other areas.

Driving Directions to Garrapata SP

The park is located on Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel (18 miles north of Big Sur).

Online reservations are not available for this park.

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Fishing
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs

Burn Notice Affecting Garrapata State Park

Garrapata Coastal FlowersBeginning Monday, March 18th thorugh Friday, March 22nd, Monterey District Natural Resource and CDRC staff will be pile burning at Garrapata State Park. The objective of this burn is to remove non-native, invasive Acacia trees to open up space for sensitive species occurring on-site and to restore coastal scrub habitat. There will be 1000 gallons of water on-site during the burns and Natural Resources crews will staff it overnight. All burning will be dependent on weather and operations may cease if conditions are not favorable. There will be signs posted on both the north and south lanes of HWY 1 near the site. For additional information, please contact Environmental Scientist, Aidan Sarbeck: aidan.sarbeck@parks.ca.gov

ABOUT GARRAPATA STATE PARK

Garrapata State Park has two miles of beach front, with coastal hiking and a 50-foot climb to a beautiful view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federal marine protected area. The park offers diverse coastal vegetation with trails running from ocean beaches into dense redwood groves. The park also features outstanding coastal headlands at Soberanes Point. Sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters frequent the coastal waters and California gray whales pass close by during their yearly migration.


Location-Directions
The park is located on Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel (18 miles north of Big Sur).

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.

 

Garrapata State Park Coastal Trail Improvement Project and Coastal Trail Closures Begin October 4, 2023

Garrapata Coastal Trail

California State Parks - Monterey District is embarking on a large trail improvement project for Garrapata State Park on October 4th, 2023.

The Garrapata Coastal Trail will be closed at the north end between Gates 1 and 3 through 2024.

 

 

SOBERANES CANYON TRAIL and ROCKY RIDGE TRAIL

Located on the East side of Highway 1, the Soberanes Canyon Trail is currently open. The Rocky Ridge Trail is CLOSED due to hazardous conditions.

The Soberanes Trail is open exclusively from the main, gated trailhead on the east side of Highway 1, across from Gate 8 of the Garrapata Coastal Trail. The hike is along the 1.25 mile length of the trail to the back of the canyon. Plan on an out and back hike as the Rocky Ridge portion of the trail is closed due to hazardous conditions.

DOGS

There is limited access for dogs on leash at the Garrapata State Park beach area:

Dogs ON LEASH are ONLY  allowed on the beach at Gate 19 (south end of park) and on the trails leading to it.

Dogs are NOT allowed in all other areas, including across Hwy 1 in the Soberanes Canyon Trail area.

Thank you for partnering with CA State Parks to protect our habitat areas' wildlife by adhering to dogs on leash regulations!

 

Marine Protected Area Coloring Book - Area Marina Protegida - Libro Para Colorear

Embark on a journey of discovery about Marine protection in a fun and easy way!!

MPAThe Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book - Area Marina Protegida -  Libro Para Colorear - helps students of all ages learn about the rich diversity of plant and animal life found in California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The book includes three new 3D augmented reality coloring pages that will allow students to interact with their colorings using a smartphone or tablet while learning about marine life and California's marine protected areas. 

 Download the new marine protected area (MPA) coloring book along with the California Coastal Explorer Guide at: https://www.mpacollaborative.org/kids/