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Calla Lily Valley

Park in Monterey County, California

Travel Tips

Explore a variety of trails for different experiences. Year-round hiking available, but watch for crowded trails. 1

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Andrew Molera State Park offer diverse trails. Moderate temps year-round. 2

Explore a mix of trails to experience Big Sur's diverse ecosystems. Check for trail closures. 3

Considered one of the most scenic drives. 4

Take your time to enjoy every viewpoint and pullout along the way. 5

Stop at multiple viewpoints to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery. 6

Stay at Treebones Resort for a unique cliffside yurt experience. 7

Stay at Fernwood Resort or Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn for a unique experience. 8

Staying here positions you for a beautiful drive to San Francisco the next day. 9

Prepare for limited services and enjoy the wild, natural beauty. Ideal for those not afraid of heights. 10

Introduction

Location

• 📍 Address: Calla Lily Valley is located off Highway 1 in Big Sur, California.
• 🗺️ GPS: Type 'Calla Lily Valley' into Google Maps for directions.
• 🚗 Nearby Towns: It is about 20 minutes south of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• 🛣️ Highway: The valley is accessible from the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).
• 🚪 Gate: Look for Gate 18 or Gate 19 for the trail entrance.

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Best Time to Visit

• 🌸 Peak Bloom: Mid-February to mid-March is the best time to see the lilies in full bloom.
• 📅 Season: The lilies bloom from late January to mid-April.
• 🌞 Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting.
• 🌦️ Weather: Coastal weather can be unpredictable; check forecasts before visiting.
• 📸 Crowds: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

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Hiking Details

• 🚶‍♂️ Distance: The hike is about 0.25 miles one way.
• ⏱️ Duration: It takes approximately 3-5 minutes to walk to the valley.
• 🛤️ Trail: The trail is part of the Garrapata Trail and is well-maintained.
• 📉 Elevation: Minor elevation change, making it accessible for most visitors.
• 🌿 Terrain: The path can be muddy and rocky; wear appropriate footwear.

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Parking

• 🚗 Location: Park near Gate 18 or Gate 19 on Highway 1.
• 🅿️ Capacity: Small dirt pull-out areas with space for about 5-6 cars.
• 🛣️ Roadside: Additional parking is available along the side of Highway 1.
• 🚶‍♂️ Alternative: Park at Garrapata State Beach and take the trail from there.
• ⚠️ Caution: Be careful of deep dips in the dirt pull-out areas.

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Safety Tips

• 🌿 Poison Ivy: Be aware of poison ivy and poison oak; wear long pants and sleeves.
• 🛤️ Stay on Trail: Stick to the designated paths to avoid damaging the flowers and encountering poison plants.
• 🦟 Ticks: The area is known to have ticks; check for ticks after your visit.
• 🌊 Ocean Safety: Avoid swimming at Garrapata Beach due to strong currents and rip tides.
• 📵 Connectivity: Download offline maps as cell service is unreliable.

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Photography Tips

• 📸 Golden Hour: Best lighting is during sunrise or just before sunset.
• 📅 Weekdays: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• 📍 Angles: Head to the back of the valley for the best angles and photos.
• 📷 Equipment: Use a tripod for longer exposures, especially during golden hour.
• 🌸 Respect: Do not trample or pick the flowers; stay on the trail.

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Nearby Attractions

• 🌉 Bixby Bridge: Iconic bridge located a few minutes south of Calla Lily Valley.
• 🏞️ Point Lobos: Scenic state reserve with stunning views and hiking trails.
• 🌊 McWay Falls: A waterfall that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean.
• 🏖️ Garrapata Beach: Walk along the beach after visiting the valley.
• 🏘️ Carmel-by-the-Sea: Charming seaside village with shops and restaurants.
• 🐠 Monterey Bay Aquarium: Famous aquarium located in Monterey.
• 🏡 Pacific Grove: Known for its Victorian houses and beautiful coastline.
• 🍽️ Local Dining: Enjoy seafood and other local cuisine in nearby towns.

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Travel Information
📍   Address: Garrapata Trail, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

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