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In the spectacular Big Sur area, Andrew Molera State Park is still relatively undeveloped and offers visitors great hiking and beachcombing.
Miles of trails wind through meadows, beaches and hilltops. A primitive walk-in trail camp, popular with hikers and bikers, is located approximately one third mile from the parking area.
Getting There
The park is 20 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.
Latitude/Longitude: 36.2833 / -121.8333
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is 20 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.
Latitude/Longitude: 36.2833 / -121.8333
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
Telephone: 831-667-2315
The park is open a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
Telephone: 831-667-2315
Andrew Molera Trail Camp
There are 24 identified sites. Camping is allowed only at these sites with a maximum of four people per site. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The establishment of 24 sites with a limit of four people per site will allow for maximum availability of individual campsites, yet continue to meet the required carrying capacity. Due to these changes, however, group camping at Trail Camp is no longer feasible. Dogs are not allowed in Trail Camp, on any trails, or at the beach. Please contact the park for additional information.
Bridge Notice - Seasonal bridges that cross the river are installed, depending on seasonal conditions, from around April through October.
There are 24 identified sites. Camping is allowed only at these sites with a maximum of four people per site. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The establishment of 24 sites with a limit of four people per site will allow for maximum availability of individual campsites, yet continue to meet the required carrying capacity. Due to these changes, however, group camping at Trail Camp is no longer feasible. Dogs are not allowed in Trail Camp, on any trails, or at the beach. Please contact the park for additional information.
Bridge Notice - Seasonal bridges that cross the river are installed, depending on seasonal conditions, from around April through October.
Dogs at Andrew Molera SP
Where can I take my dog at Andrew Molera State Park?
At Andrew Molera SP, dogs are allowed on leash in the developed areas, which include the main parking lot and roadways to the adjacent historical buildings area Molera Ranch House, Ornithology Lab, and Molera Trail Rides complex.
Why do dogs have to be on leash in developed areas?
Dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owner's immediate control. Loose, uncontrolled dogs can lead to wildlife disturbances, dog fights, and potential dog and/or human injury. Even well-behaved dogs can be unpredictable in an unfamiliar outdoor setting.
In the past, Andrew Molera SP allowed dogs on trails, Trail Camp, and the beach. Why the change?
Andrew Molera SP had been an exception to allowing dogs on leash outside of developed areas. This exception had evolved in conjunction with the opening of Trail Camp and the uncontrolled number of campers there. With the operational changes at Trail Camp to meet County Health mandated carrying capacity numbers for campers, there was an opportunity to better protect the park's resources and visitors in regards to dog regulations as well by applying the same California Code of Regulations to Andrew Molera. The park's resources are certainly as worthy of protection as other state parks.
I always keep my dog on a leash. Why am I being punished?
Wildlife viewing is one of the primary attractions for Andrew Molera SP visitors. The beach at Andrew Molera has been identified as a wintering location for the endangered snowy plover. Since wild animals consider dogs predators, their presence can startle other animals and disrupt their natural behavior. The canine scent of dogs is present whether the dog is on a leash or not.
So why are horses still allowed at Andrew Molera State Park?
Horses are allowed only on designated trails and cannot roam freely as dogs can. They are not predatory animals, so they do not cause the same behavior disruptions for wild animals. Furthermore, most of the horse trail usage is through the concessionaire operation, and their contract requires they maintain the trails for waste and repairs. The potential impact of horses on the park's resources, particularly the steelhead and the river, is being looked at to determine ways to reduce or eliminate such impacts.
Where can I take my dog at Andrew Molera State Park?
At Andrew Molera SP, dogs are allowed on leash in the developed areas, which include the main parking lot and roadways to the adjacent historical buildings area Molera Ranch House, Ornithology Lab, and Molera Trail Rides complex.
Why do dogs have to be on leash in developed areas?
Dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owner's immediate control. Loose, uncontrolled dogs can lead to wildlife disturbances, dog fights, and potential dog and/or human injury. Even well-behaved dogs can be unpredictable in an unfamiliar outdoor setting.
In the past, Andrew Molera SP allowed dogs on trails, Trail Camp, and the beach. Why the change?
Andrew Molera SP had been an exception to allowing dogs on leash outside of developed areas. This exception had evolved in conjunction with the opening of Trail Camp and the uncontrolled number of campers there. With the operational changes at Trail Camp to meet County Health mandated carrying capacity numbers for campers, there was an opportunity to better protect the park's resources and visitors in regards to dog regulations as well by applying the same California Code of Regulations to Andrew Molera. The park's resources are certainly as worthy of protection as other state parks.
I always keep my dog on a leash. Why am I being punished?
Wildlife viewing is one of the primary attractions for Andrew Molera SP visitors. The beach at Andrew Molera has been identified as a wintering location for the endangered snowy plover. Since wild animals consider dogs predators, their presence can startle other animals and disrupt their natural behavior. The canine scent of dogs is present whether the dog is on a leash or not.
So why are horses still allowed at Andrew Molera State Park?
Horses are allowed only on designated trails and cannot roam freely as dogs can. They are not predatory animals, so they do not cause the same behavior disruptions for wild animals. Furthermore, most of the horse trail usage is through the concessionaire operation, and their contract requires they maintain the trails for waste and repairs. The potential impact of horses on the park's resources, particularly the steelhead and the river, is being looked at to determine ways to reduce or eliminate such impacts.
Accessible Features
A history center is open on a very limited basis but may be usable. Assistance may be required with paths of travel.
A history center is open on a very limited basis but may be usable. Assistance may be required with paths of travel.
Community Trips
Andrew Molera State Park - Headlands Trail and Ridge Trail - Hidden Trail - River Trail Loop
Big Sur, California, United States
6.3 miles
6.3 miles
Abnormally warm day for Big Sur with a huge wall of fog off of the coast. We started off with the headlands trail and double back because we didn't want to soak our socks crossing the river to the beach (mistake because we had to cross the river by the parking lot later). The headlands trail was a wonderful walk through the campground to the beach. There were lizards and quail everywhere....
After our quick 2-day backpacking trip in the Ventana Wilderness we desperately needing a dip in the cold ocean, and Andrew Molera seemed to be just the spot. The parking lot was packed on Sunday, so we were forced to park on the road a little ways away (but it wasn’t too bad, since we didn’t need to pay). The trail to the beach was about 1-2 miles round trip and made...
Nice stroll to the beach. Miles of trails just across the river but no bridge, so if you want to discover that side of the park, you will get wet, and bring a towel or two ;^). Great park and nice view of the cove.
Reviews
