BIG SUR CAMPING UPDATE

If you're planning on a Big Sur camping trip this year, you'll find this Big Sur camping update very useful! And if you weren't planning on a visit because of the fires, take another look!

THERE'S GOOD NEWS & THERE'S BAD NEWS

The good news is:

• It's a bumper year for Big Sur's Spring wildflower display!

  Fire can be devastating to people and communities, but it is often part of the natural process of a landscape and can have a wonderful effect on an area's flora. Such is the case in California. Very often fires will assist in the opening of seeds that won't sprout on their own, and the natural fertilization process that occurs after a fire adds nutrients to the soil, resulting in rapid new growth.

• Coupled with the above-average rainfalls we've had this year, the wildflowers are amazing!



© Jeff Myers




• Also, California's wild areas often recover relatively quickly from these wildfires - you'll see lots of evidence of the wide swath that the 2008 fires cut through Big Sur, but you'll be amazed to see how much of the area is starting to recover already!

The bad news is:

• Some of the parks are closed or partially closed

• Some of the trails are closed

But Big Sur is still beautiful, there are many places still to camp in addition to all the lodging choices available, the whales are still migrating, the condors are flying, the restaurants & shops are open, and the people of Big Sur are looking forward to your visit!

With this Big Sur Camping Update Guide, you'll know exactly what you need to know . .

JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK

West Side of Highway 1:

• All trails are open; this includes McWay Falls Overlook (with the exception of the ADA access ramp), & Partington Cove
• The 2 environmental campsites are open

East Side of Highway 1:

• All trails are closed; this includes the Ewoldson, the Tan Bark, the Tin House, & the Canyon Falls trails
• All picnic areas are closed east of the highway

Parking in the main lot is availble unless there is a significant storm event that would make it hazardous.

LIMEKILN STATE PARK

Unfortunately, all of Limekiln is closed to the public for the time being. We're all hoping to see this lovely park up and running again in the not too distant future! (Remember, this is the park that was nearly deforested by the lime kiln operations, & yet was able to rejuvenate itself in a relatively short time!)

PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK

This park is up & running on all cylinders!: All park areas are open and available for use.

VENTANA BIG SUR CAMPGROUND

This popular campground has been closed for renovations since the 2008 season and still has no announced re-opening date.

THERE'S STILL EVERY REASON TO VISIT BIG SUR IN 2010!

The rest of the parks, campgrounds, trails, and beaches are open and accessible! The fourth Big Sur Mud Run took place on schedule, the Big Sur International Marathon is getting into high gear, the Point Sur Lighthouse is offering Moonlight Tours, the Sunday afternoon music series continues - there is so much to see and do in the Big Sur area, you won't be sorry you decided to visit!

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