Hiking Trails & Parks in Big Sur, California
200 hiking & walking trails and 11parks, recreation areas & campgrounds in Big Sur, located in Monterey County, California. Free trail map for every listing.
About Outdoor Recreation in Big Sur, California
Big Sur offers 200 mapped hiking trails and 11 federally managed parks within the city or nearby. Located in Monterey County, California, it’s a starting point for hikers, campers, and casual nature seekers.
Explore more nearby: Monterey County overview, all Monterey County trails, or statewide California list.
Parks & Campgrounds in Big Sur
Hiking Trails in Big Sur
Curated Guides for Big Sur
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hiking trails in Big Sur, Monterey County, California?
Yes — we have 200 mapped hiking and walking trails in Big Sur, Monterey County, California, sourced from OpenStreetMap. Browse the full list below, with distance, elevation, and difficulty for each.
What is the most difficult hiking trail in Big Sur, Monterey County, California?
Bear Basin Trail near Big Sur is rated hard — the toughest classification among Big Sur, Monterey County, California's mapped trails.
What is the best hiking trail in Big Sur, Monterey County, California for families?
Arroyo Seco Ridge Trail near Big Sur is one of the best family picks in Big Sur, Monterey County, California — easy difficulty, short enough for kids and first-timers. See the full family hiking guide below for more options.
Is there a trail map for Big Sur, Monterey County, California?
Each of the 200 trails in Big Sur, Monterey County, California has its own page with an interactive map, GPS coordinates, and a link to view it on OpenStreetMap — no app or account needed.
What parks and recreation areas are in Big Sur, Monterey County, California?
Big Sur, Monterey County, California has 11 parks, recreation areas, and federal facilities in our index (1 classified as recreation areas). Each listing includes activities, photos where available, and directions.
Can I go camping in Big Sur, Monterey County, California?
We don't show any campgrounds with mapped campsites in Big Sur, Monterey County, California right now — check the county level for more camping options nearby.
Where can I find hiking trails and parks near Big Sur, Monterey County, California?
Browse all hiking trails, walking trails, parks, and campgrounds across Monterey County for more options beyond Big Sur, Monterey County, California.
From the OutsideAtlas Blog
Photo: Joshua EarleThe 10 Longest Hiking Trails in California, Ranked
California's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Sergei AkulichCalifornia's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten California trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Maddi BazzoccoThe Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in California
Ten gentle, well-marked California trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Holly MandarichThe 10 Most Challenging Hikes in California
California's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoThe Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in California
Federal parks and recreation areas in California ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleBest Waterfall Hikes in California: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
California's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.