How to Hike Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail in Garrapata Park

And so we went on a hike along the Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail – we learned its name later – where spring wildflowers still abounded, transforming Garrapata State Park and instantly making it one of our favorite areas in Big Sur.

^{Last updated: August 15, 2025}

How to Hike Soberanes Point, Whale Peak Trail in Garrapata State Park - Roads and Destinations — *A complete guide to hiking Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail in Garrapata State Park in spring (+photos)*

A Complete Guide to Hiking Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail in Garrapata State Park in Spring

With no official signs along the northern section of scenic Highway 1, we relied only on an offline map to get to Garrapata State Park. Up to that point, all we knew about the area was that in spring it turned into a floral sea that stretched all the way to the ocean, aiming to merge its colorful, gentle “waves” with fearsome surf.

The hidden Calla Lily Valley drew us to Garrapata State Park in the first place. But since we decided to stray away from the popular Big Sur destinations this time around, the Soberanes Point Trail landed on our hiking itinerary almost at the last moment.

To hike the Soberanes Point Trail, abundantly festooned with the spring wildflowers, asked for little to no effort. Finding the path in an unmarked state park in Central California, turned out to be a slightly bigger challenge.

HOW TO HIKE THE SOBERANES POINT-WHALE PEAK TRAIL

Soberanes Point Trail Facts

Distance: 2-mile loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 50-60 minutes

Along the Spring-Adorned Soberanes Point Trail

If you look for any signs marking the start of the trail… Well, you won’t find them. Garrapata State Park, one of several state parks that comprise the Big Sur area, prefers to remain incognito. Apart from the “Coastal Trail” signs, you hardly see any other road markers.

And so running along the coastline, the scenic Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail lacks a well-defined trailhead. You can rely on an offline map or a hardcopy map to locate the hiking path. Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for gates 8,9, or 10 with direct access to the trail.

On the bright side, the elusive Soberanes Point Trail sits along Highway 1 with copious pull-offs right in front of or near the trailhead. Claim your spot and venture into the spring-adorned realm with impeccable coastal views, the main highlight of the Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail.

The Hike

The hike starts along a series of stairs. As you descend, the bluffs rise up higher, showcasing the spring brilliance on the opposite side of the cliff. The views become even more spectacular. You don’t feel like a mere observer, but an essential piece of the surreal surroundings at this point.

A few observation decks cluster along this section of the Soberanes Point Trail. If you feel like 2 miles is too much of a hike for you, you can linger here a little bit longer before returning to the car.

Those who decide to hike farther up, normally lose the crowd beyond this point. The Soberanes Point Trail that snakes around Whale Peak and eventually takes hikers to Soberanes Point remains relatively flat from now on. A few narrower trails branch off the main path, taking you down to Garrapata Beach.

The Soberanes Point Trail starts changing elevation toward the end of the loop. A few staircases loom along Highway 1 once again. Follow the path to get back to the same trailhead you started the hike at.

Alternately, you can hike on the side of the highway until you get back to the car. This route, however, may be inconvenient, especially in those areas where hills come close to the road without leaving any spaces for the pull-offs.

Things to Know before Hiking Soberanes Point Trail

Entrance

Unlike some other state parks in the Big Sur area, Garrapata State Park is a free area. There is no entrance fee to hike the Soberanes Point Trail and enjoy the spring bloom along the way. Yet as we mentioned before, no clearly marked signs assist hikers here, making it extremely easy to miss the entire area, including the Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail.

How to Find Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail

The only directions in the park are marked turnout gates, numbered from 2 to 19. Accesses to the Soberanes Point Trail are located at gates 8, 9, and 10.

Parking

The parking situation is easier in Garrapata State Park compared to some scenic areas of Big Sur. The lack of the clearly marked signage is the culprit why many travelers pass by without realizing all the splendor the park is willing to bestow on them.

As a result, the area never sees as many crowds as the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. And thus parking, presented by the pull-off area along Highway 1, is rarely an issue.

The Best Time to Hike Soberanes Point Trail

The scenic Soberanes Point Trail is open all year round. The spring bloom, however, adds extra vibrancy to the surreal surroundings. Thousands of purple, white, yellow, and lilac flowers pop up along the coast from as early as mid-February through April. In some areas, the California bloom stays intact until mid-May.

Restrooms

Despite its rather withdrawn nature, Garrapata State Park offers some basic amenities. A few portable restrooms are located between gates 8,9, and 10.

Wild calla lilies in Big Sur - Roads and Destinations — *Calla Lily Valley, Garrapata State Park | Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail*

Places to Visit near the Soberanes Point Trail

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

This paid area sits 5 miles north of Garrapata State Park. Much busier, it allures the majority of its hikers with the picturesque China Cove, nestled below the Bird Island Trail.

Calla Lily Valley

Located within Garrapata State Park, the Calla Lily Valley sees an influx of visitors from mid-February through April when wild calla lilies bloom. The area sits 2.2 miles south of the Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail.

Bixby Creek Bridge

The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge is only 6.2 miles south of the Soberanes Point-Whale Peak Trail. Being a part of Highway 1, the structure doesn’t require hiking to showcase itself in its full glory. If you wish to take a few pictures of this signature landmark, stop at any overlooks near either side of the bridge.