A Guide to California's Big Sur

Along the Highway

Big Sur Station

Big Sur Station Multi-Agency Facility houses personnel representing the California State Park System (Department of Parks and Recreation) and Los Padres National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service (each of which is responsible for much of the land in the Big Sur Valley and the overall Big Sur region), and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Big Sur Station is probably as close to a "visitor center" as Big Sur has. Its Nature Station Store has books, trail maps, and related materials available for everyone from casual visitors to dedicated wilderness backpackers. An employee at the counter answers questions in person and by telephone (often at the same time!).

In addition to the California State Parks listed elsewhere in this guide, Big Sur has the Ventana Wilderness Area and the Silver Peak Wilderness Area, located within Los Padres National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Ventana Wilderness Area elevations range from about 600 feet (185 m) above sea level to 5750 feet (1750 m). A wilderness permit, available at Big Sur Station, is required for overnight travel in either wilderness area.

Reference

Activities, Facilities, and Services

Location

Has this Web site, A Guide to California's Big Sur, been worth something to you as you plan a trip to Big Sur -- maybe fifty cents? a dollar? If so, you can, if you wish, contribute that amount to help defray this site's costs. Learn how.

Highway 1 at Big Sur Station
Big Sur Station