Jade Cove

"There's a nice big shoulder to pull off on, then a short hike through a meadow, followed by a steep descent with ropes to assist you, gets you down to a small rocky beach, and lots of boulders to scramble across along the coast. The beach is a good place to dive from. Found some nice stones."

"Incredibly steep, but also incredibly beautiful. Loved using the ropes to get down, but they’re not entirely required if you’re wearing sturdy shoes and walk carefully. There IS jade here, you just have to find it ;)"

"Do not come here near High Tide (like I did). I got advice from the wrong CA Tide Table, and got here 2 hours before peak tide. Instead refer to "SwellInfo Big Sur CA Tide Chart". My bad luck. Note: A 6 yo boy could make his way to the bottom, but that doesn't mean it should happen. There is natural spring to cross mid-trail which makes up/down tricky and below the rocks are slick (even for my Vibram soled tried and true hiking boots). You could wear tennies, but I sure wouldn't. There was a rope in 3 places on the day I visited, and 1 rope was down. You won't absolutely need them, but it makes the trail a bit easier in a couple of spots. Many folks don't know "the" trail down, so I will say this. Walk along the cliffs above (on the trail) until you find 4 or 5 big fence posts sticking up from the ground. That's it. I can tell that others tried to descend in other locations, and I bet that it went very badly for them. Be safe. Respect nature! And I'll be back again for sure some day."

"Take photos of the trails and maps before heading there. No cell coverage. Plan your visit with the tide in mind. Go at a lower tide. Do not go during a high tide. The views from atop are worth the trip even if you're not going to make the difficult trek down. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants. So, the maps show the trail head down the cliff- a worn and useless wooden fence marks the spot. Take your time going down, slide on your bottom if needed. Going back up will be easier , but going down is treacherous. The rope mentioned is there. But you won't see it till the bottom 1/3. You can use it going both down and of course up. Once at the bottom ya gotta still take care as the rocks are SLIPPERY and you don't want to bust or twist anything down there. Beautiful rocks, views and photos. Don't expect to find anything other than a few small jade fragments - but afterwards know you've still gone to one of California's better known and beaches that few have experienced. Finally, I've read several trail reviews that mention the poison oak n ivy. The beginning of both the north or south trails do have heavy growth but only on the sides - I've included a photo to show you that there is plenty of space to walk without touching the vines."

"This is a real jewel of a trail. No pun intended! :D Wear solid shoes, as the trail is uneven. Lots to explore, make sure you look at the trail options before you go because it's rather overgrown. Great views near the water, but looking back.at the mountains is wonderful too. I have included a pic of the entrance, as it's easy to miss. Have fun!"