Jade Cove - Hidden Treasure in Big Sur, CA

Today we’re heading four hours north of Los Angeles up the beautiful Highway 1 coastline to a lesser known Big Sur hidden gem. Join me today as we explore the wild and rocky shores of Jade Cove.

Location

Located 30 miles north of San Simeon and 60 miles south of Carmel, Jade Cove was indeed named for the striking Monterey Jade found here. Large stones in a variety of colors were once abundant in this cove area, however most the valuable pieces were harvested by jade hunters long ago. While you won’t find any of the big pieces just lying out along the rocky shoreline, Big Sur still holds an annual Jade Festival that is much loved by rock hounds and mineral enthusiasts alike.

Trails

Two main trailheads lead to the cove, but reaching the waters edge is no small feat. The first trailhead is located 1/4 mile south of Paskett Creek Campground at the Paskett Rock Point Trailhead. The second trail, located 1/4 of a mile south of the first is a slightly more direct route to the cove. While a scenic path along the beautiful coastal bluff top connects these routes - ticks, rattle snakes, and plenty of poison oak can be found along the narrow trail, which can also become overgrown and hard to follow throughout the year. Once you reach the path from the clifftop down to the cove, the real challenge begins. You will need the assistance of at least one – if not two tied off ropes to lead you down the final steep drop to the rocky shore. I wouldn’t recommend this adventure to the inexperienced gentle day hiker, as it will require a bit of rope assisted scrambling and climbing. One should also be aware of the recent weather as the slippery trail can become inaccessible due to inclement weather.

Jade

When you reach the rocky shore you can find a good amount of serpentine, which bares a close resemblance to jade, but is not as hard or as valuable. It’s important to take note of and respect rules of removing jade here…the trailhead signs read clearly, “Prospecting, mining or removal of any rock, mineral or material is prohibited above the mean tide level.” There are very strict policies about not hunting for jade above the tide line and not using tools to lift or remove any jade (there are even guidelines for divers here). We all want to be able to enjoy this unique cove for years to come, so it’s important to leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in, and consider learning about The Big Sur Pledge and how to honor the natural environment when visiting this special spot.

Weather & Tides

When visiting Jade Cove, it’s important to plan around the weather and tides. Signs clearly warn about the danger of climbing on rocks, swimming, and wading here. The surf is subject to unexpected life-threatening waves and currents in this area. I have felt the power of stormy rogue waves here first-hand, and one rogue wave could absolutely wipe you out. With the slippery sheer cliff rock walls and rope assisted climb down to the small cove, I’d encourage you to visit during low tide (the only time when most of the rocky cove isn’t covered with crashing waves). It’s also important to be aware of the local wildlife (sea lions, elephant seals, etc.) and give them plenty of space, viewing only from a safe distance.

Know Before You Go

• Please be sensitive when exploring the great outdoors and consider the Leave No Trace principles to help keep this special spot pristine, so that others may enjoy its untouched beauty for years to come.

• Consider wearing long sleeves and pants to protect from ticks and poison oak on the 1/2 mile hike to Jade cove. And remember, “leaves of three, leave it be!”

• Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is very little shade here.

• The closest restrooms are located at the nearby Sand Dollar Beach trailhead.

• If you plan to traverse the ropes and scramble down to explore the rocky coastline, be prepared to get a bit muddy and wet (and plan proper footwear for the jagged slippery shore).

• Parking is available along Highway 1 near the small signs for Jade Cove. Click here for Google map pin.

Nearby Big Sur Places of Interest:

Sand Dollar Beach ( 1 mile )

Limekiln State Park ( 7 miles)

Salmon Creek Falls ( 12 miles )

San Carpoforo Beach (15 miles )

Ragged Point Hike ( 15 miles )

McWay Falls ( 22 miles )

Bixby Bridge ( 45 miles )

Garrapata State Park ( 50 miles )

Calla Lily Valley ( 50 miles )

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me here today at one of the least touristy spots in all of Big Sur. For more information see my Behind the Blog video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!

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