Black Swift Falls at Ragged Point - Big Sur, CA

Sitting quietly at the edge of the Ragged Point Inn & Resort at the southern edge of Big Sur is a spot lovingly (and accurately) referred to as “the million dollar view.” Today we’re heading out from this spot to one of my favorite local hikes…join me for an adventure on the steep trail to Black Swift Falls.

“Portal to Big Sur” art installation at Ragged Point Inn and Resort

Location

Ragged Point Inn is a spot of importance while traveling north up along Highway 1 in Big Sur, as it’s one of the few spots to stop for fuel, food and restrooms (so the parking lot is often full during the Summer and on the weekends). The grounds here are beautiful with wildflowers, incredible cliff top views, a wedding pagoda, and the Ragged Point Nature Trail, which is the prefect place to stop and stretch your legs on a Big Sur road trip. Anyone will enjoy the gentle bluff-top stroll here, but for a more adventurous hiker, you’ll find the short but strenuous trail down to Black Swift Falls here too.

Big Sur coastline from Ragged Point Inn and Resort

The Hike

The trail down to the waterfall can be found next to the Ragged Point Inn gazebo and look out point. The trailhead is marked by a simple sign that says “Nature Trail - use at your own risk.” This hike is less than 3/4 of a mile round trip, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is an easy hike. The first few wooden steps lead to a steep, slick dirt path with multiple switchbacks and minimal shade. Parts of this trail are so narrow only one person can travel at a time, and rough brush can be overgrown (including large patches of poison oak). The first half of this hike is the “easiest” section, so if you feel uncomfortable here, turn back and don’t try to continue on. The middle portion leading towards the end is the steepest section, at times requiring rope assistance (I’ve seen people wipe out here) and the path can become washed out, making this hike unsafe to attempt. In good weather you can descend nearly 400 feet straight down from the trailhead to the shore in just over 1/4 mile. It’s a very short hike, but it’s also treacherous and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

Black Swift Falls Trail and Young Creek Beach in Big Sur

Black Swift Falls during late Spring in Big Sur

The Waterfall

Formed from Young Creek, Black Swift Falls is often referred to simply as the Ragged Point Waterfall, and you can’t see the falls from the trailhead view points. Only once you hike down to the shore do you see the towering waterfall behind you. This 300 foot seasonal waterfall rages uncontrollably after major storms, but can slow down to a trickle and even dry up completely in dry Summer months. After the towering drop, water gently streams towards the beautiful black sand at Young Creek Beach, but be aware – this beach can all but disappear during high tide.

Small section of Black Swift Falls / Young Creek at Young Creek Beach in Big Sur

Know Before You Go

• 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 service, such as gas, food, trash and restrooms, so please do your research before your visit.

• 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.

• While this hike is under one mile, it can absolutely be considered strenuous. There is minimal shade, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.

• Stay on the trail and watch closely for wildlife (I’ve seen snakes on the trail every time I’ve hiked this path), and be mindful of the poison oak which grows abundantly here.

• The trail is continually eroding and crumbling away, so plan proper footwear and consider bringing hiking poles (like these), which can be very helpful on this steep rugged trail.

Nearby Big Sur Places of Interest:

Calla Lily Valley

Sand Dollar Beach

Jade Cove

Limekiln State Park

Salmon Creek Falls

San Carpoforo Beach

Treebones Resort

McWay Falls

Bixby Creek Bridge

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me today at Black Swift Falls. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog YouTube video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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