Gate 7 - Garrapata State Park Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923

Welcome to Gate 7 - Garrapata State Park

Located in the picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Garrapata State Park offers visitors a breathtaking gateway to the natural beauty of the Big Sur coast. Situated just 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel and 18 miles north of Big Sur, the park is easily accessible via Highway 1. Visitors should be mindful of travel delays due to a new traffic signal managing one-lane alternating traffic.

After contributing significantly to the emergency response efforts during the Highway 1 road slip out, Garrapata State Park has resumed its regular day-use programs and campground activities. As of May 23, 2024, camping has reopened, and nearby accommodations, including the Big Sur Lodge, provide additional overnight options.

Garrapata State Park features two miles of stunning beachfront, coastal hiking trails, and a 50-foot climb offering panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Explore diverse coastal vegetation and trails that wind from ocean beaches into dense redwood groves. The park's coastal headlands at Soberanes Point are home to sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters, while California gray whales can be spotted during their annual migration.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Soberanes Canyon Trail is open on the east side of Highway 1, accessible from the main gated trailhead across from Gate 8 of the Garrapata Coastal Trail. Please note that the Rocky Ridge Trail is currently closed due to hazardous conditions. Visitors should exercise caution when parking and accessing trails due to the area's high volume of visitors.

Dogs on leash are welcome only on the beach at Gate 19 (south end of the park) and on trails leading to it. Please adhere to these regulations to help protect the park's wildlife habitat.

In collaboration with the California State Parks - Monterey District, a significant trail improvement project began on October 4, 2023. We appreciate your patience and support during this period of enhancement.

For young explorers, download the Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book, featuring augmented reality pages, to learn about California's rich marine biodiversity. The coloring book and the California Coastal Explorer Guide are available at [MPA Collaborative](https://www.mpacollaborative.org/kids/).

For more information, contact the Monterey District Headquarters at (831) 649-2836. For weddings and special events, call (831) 624-3407 or email the Special Events Coordinator.

Discover the beauty of Garrapata State Park and be part of our efforts to preserve California's natural treasures. Learn more about conservation efforts at [Save the Redwoods League](https://www.savetheredwoods.org/).