Partington Cove Trail in Big Sur, CA
Hi friends and happy Monday! Even though we’re a few weeks from the official start of Summer, the beginning of June always feels like Summer to me, especially in California...so this week we’re leaning into that Summer feeling and taking a road trip to Big Sur for a beautiful coastal adventure. Join me on the hike to Partington Cove.
...and make sure to scroll down and download my free Top 12 Big Sur Travel Guide below!
FAST FACTS
Distance: 1 mile RT
Elevation: 350 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Partington Cove in Big Sur
Partington Cove Trailhead along Highway 1 in Big Sur
Location
Located about two miles north of McWay Falls inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the Partington Cove trailhead is found along Hwy 1 where the road curves inland. There is no parking lot, so you need to park your vehicle a long the highway. Just make sure you’re pulled company off the road and be aware of cars speeding by. When planning a road trip to Big Sur, make sure to check the latest road and weather conditions. On my recent visit, Highway 1 was closed south of Lucia, so Partington Cove could only be accessed by driving from down from the Monterey / Carmel area.
Overlook along Partington Cove Trail in Big Sur
History
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park was established in 1962 and is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, an early pioneer and rancher in the Big Sur region in the early 20th century. Back in the 1800s, logging was big business in this region, and this area was used to land ships for loading lumber. Partington Cove was named for John Partington, who operated the landing here that helped ships load their valuable timber. A shaft had to be carved into the cliffside here to make the transportation of timber from the higher hillsides down to the ships possible.
Partington Canyon and Partington Cove Trail in Big Sur, CA
Hike
The Partington Cove Trail is a “pick your own adventure” trail of sorts with 3 separate unique spurs, each worthy of visiting. This trail is a short but steep out and back hike, clocking in at just over a mile round trip with around 350 ft in elevation change. You head down the packed dirt and gravel path to the beach and gain all your elevation on the way back up.
The first portion of the trail leads down a steep ravine towards the ocean. There are a couple of switchbacks, as well as a small section of the trail that is cracked and pulled away, so you may have to mind your step in a few spots. There is no shade along this first steep section, so proper sun protection and hydration is still very important on this short hike.
Path to Partington Creek Rapids near Partington Cove
Partington Creek Rapids in Big Sur, CA
Partington Creek Cascades
At just over 1/3 of a mile into this hike, you reach the first split in the trail. The single track path to the left leads you inland along a short hike (about 50 yards) to Partington Creek and its cascading falls. The water flow here is seasonal, but thanks to this year’s heavy rains, the water is currently flowing beautifully. This is the most densely shaded area along the trail and there are multiple boulders and downed tree trunks you can relax by and enjoy the bubbling water. This section of the hike is the most narrow and is surrounded by stinging nettle and position oak, so be mindful when exploring here.
High tide coming in at Partington Point Beach in Big Sur
Partington Point beach access in Big Sur
Partington Point Beach Access
Returning back to the split in the trail head to the right this time towards the beach. In less than 100 yards you reach your second split in the trail...continue on the path to the right, which leads you through an area of thick vegetation. Soon you hear both the creek (which flows to your left) and the ocean waves in front of you. Suddenly the densely forested path opens up and you’re met with a beautiful rocky beach and ocean cliffs. To the left Partington Creek empties into the ocean, and a small sand beach can be found to your right during low tide. This is a wonderful place to listen to the ocean waves crash over the rocks, and if you’re up for a little scrambling you can nab a spot on one of the large boulders.
When visiting this area it’s incredibly important to be aware of the tides, as the beach and rocky paths can completely disappear during high tide. There are many beautiful rocks and seashells to admire here, but rogue waves are frequent here, so never turn your back on the surf and don’t venture too close to the water here. It would be easy to stay at this spot all day, but there’s still one more spectacular section of this trail to explore...so head back to the trail split, this time taking the main path (left split) in the trail across the wooden footbridge.
Wooden footbridge surrounded by redwood trees leading to Partington Cove
Old logging tunnel leading to Partington Cove in Big Sur
Turquoise waters of Partington Cove
Partington Cove
This section of the trail leads you directly through a stand of towering coastal redwoods. These trees are magnificent and you get many up-close views as you cross a short wooden bridge surrounded by them them. Continuing on, you come to the old lumber tunnel built by John Partington in the 1870s. As you pass through and see the light at the end of this 100 ft tunnel, you’ll also hear that familiar sound of crashing waves. As you exit you’re almost instantly met with the gorgeous turquoise cove views to your left. The trail continues on for 50 yards until you reach an ocean overlook bench and the jagged ocean’s edge. The only evidence remaining of the original Partington landing pier are a few bolts still clinging into the rocks just beyond the bench. This is a stunning view, and you can even see tide pools down in the distance beneath you. The jagged steep drop into the ocean here is a good reminder to always adventure within your own skill and safely level, as a slip from these rocks would be catastrophic...but there is plenty of space to stay safe from rough waves and the crumbling cliffside while enjoying these ocean views that only Big Sur can provide. It is important to remember when you’re done with your adventure (whether you’ve taken one of the trails or all three), your entire trip back to the trailhead is uphill and unshaded, so save plenty of energy for that.
Trail alongside Partington Cove
Bench at the end of Partington Cove Trail
Know Before You Go
• Please join me in following the Leave No Trace Principles. If we leave this place better than we found it, we will be rewarded with years of natural wonder. If you’re unfamiliar with The Big Sur Pledge, I encourage you to familiarize yourself prior to heading out to this beautiful area.
• I’ve heard people refer to Big Sur as “God’s country”, “otherworldly”, and “life changing”...and I don’t disagree. This is an incredible place, but it is also a sensitive vulnerable land...local infrastructure is not set up to support mass visitors as many of our local state and national parks are. There are nearly 70 miles of Highway 1 coastline without access to travel services, such as gas, food, trash and restrooms, so please do your research before your visit.
• Anytime you plan a road trip to this section of the central coast, always check the latest Big Sur road conditions before traveling. Rockslides are common here, causing complete road closures along Highway 1. On my recent visit, Highway 1 was closed south of Lucia, so Partington Cove, McWay Falls, and other several other popular Big Sur attractions could only be accessed by driving down from the North (Monterey and Carmel area).
• Hiking trails in Big Sur are often closed from weather damage. When planning your Big Sur itinerary, make sure to check the latest trail conditions and closures beforehand. Partington Cove Trail conditions can be found on the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park trails page.
• All sections of this trail are closely surrounded with poison oak and stinging nettle, and ticks are abundant in the area...so stay on the maintained paths and consider wearing proper clothing to protect yourself.
• Be sure to abide by all posted signs, as they are for your safety and for the preservation of the ecosystem and the beautiful wildlife that resides in it.
• There are no restrooms or trash cans here, so plan on packing out everything you pack in, and please follow the Leave No Trace Principles to keep this place beautiful for all to enjoy.
• There is no cell service in this area (and in much of Big Sur), so prepare and plan ahead before you visit. Bringing a GPS device or equipping your smarthphone with a GPS app with pre-downloaded maps is always a good idea when exploring in Big Sur. I use the Gaia app on my iPhone, and it works great.
Pier remnants on Partington Point next to Partington Cove
Partington Cove in Big Sur, California
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week in Big Sur. For a virtual visit to Partington Cove, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
Partington Point in Big Sur
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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