Big Creek 🌊🏖️ Big Sur – Gamboa Point Beach loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Creek 🌊🏖️ Big Sur – Gamboa Point Beach loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
4.7
(3167)
11,637
riders
Big Creek 🌊🏖️ Big Sur – Gamboa Point Beach loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
04:09
59.7km
1,080m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps
You may need to carry your bike.
After 59.2 km for 18 m
After 59.6 km for 18 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.28 km
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Condor Vista Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
8.89 km
Seals Beach Overlook 🐋 Big Sur Cabrillo Highway 1
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
23.0 km
John Little State Natural Reserve
Nature Reserve
30.0 km
Big Creek 🌊🏖️ Big Sur
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
33.0 km
Gamboa Point Beach
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
38.3 km
Lucia Lodge Coastal View
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
52.8 km
Rocky Creek Slip-Out (October 2024)
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
53.9 km
Esalen Institute ♨️ Slates Hot Spring
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
59.4 km
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park 🌲 McWay Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
59.7 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
57.9 km
1.17 km
375 m
268 m
Surfaces
55.4 km
2.48 km
1.17 km
643 m
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Elevation
Highest point (170 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 12 July
23°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly challenging touring cycling adventure with incredible rewards, the Big Creek 🌊🏖️ Big Sur – Gamboa Point Beach loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is definitely worth your time. This difficult route covers 37.1 miles (59.7 km) with a significant 3552 feet (1083 metres) of elevation gain, taking roughly 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete. It's an advanced cycling trail in Big Sur, perfect for riders with very good fitness who crave a demanding coastal experience.
What to expect on Big Creek 🌊🏖️ Big Sur – Gamboa Point Beach loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This loop offers a varied riding experience, predominantly on paved surfaces but with short sections of singletrack, paths, and unpaved stretches where you might need to push your bike. As you navigate the constant roller coaster of big hills and big descents, you'll be treated to breathtaking views characteristic of the Big Sur coastline. Keep an eye out for iconic sights like the McWay Falls Overlook, where the 80-foot waterfall plunges onto a pristine beach, and the Condor Vista Point, offering wide-open vistas and a chance to spot California condors. The route winds through diverse ecosystems, from towering redwood groves to chaparral, showcasing the region's natural beauty.
Planning your visit
Starting your cycling route from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers convenient access to this loop. However, before you head out, it's crucial to check for current road conditions and closures, as parts of Highway 1 in Big Sur frequently experience landslides. This can impact cycling access and route planning. While specific parking details for cyclists at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park aren't always highlighted, arriving early is generally a good strategy for popular areas in Big Sur, especially during peak season, to secure a spot and avoid heavy motor vehicle traffic. Consider the best time to visit Big Sur for cycling, often outside of peak tourist season, for a more enjoyable experience.
Trail details
- Distance: 37.1 miles (59.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 3552 feet (1083 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 8 minutes
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