Mt. Manuel Day Hike, Big Sur

Behind me is Highway 1!

A hike that will leave you feeling accomplished right on our coast!

Looking for a solid day hike in Big Sur with a good amount of climbing? Then dip your feet into a cold creek to help with recovery? Manuel Peak is perfect! With coastal views and a chance to see the Santa Lucia Mountains.

If you start early - you should be able to stop and take photos at the Bixby Bridge after your hike ! Or on your way to the campsite (:

LOGISTICS:

• Route yourself to Pfeiffer Big Sur Camp Ground, trail starts left of the campsite bridge.

  • The park is 37 miles south of Carmel on Hwy 1, and 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur SP on Hwy 1

  • “Manuel Peak Trail” easy to follow off All Trails App.

• Highly recommend reserving a campsite and hiking early morning starting from your campsite ($35/night) or going for the day ($10/day), opens 30 min before sunrise.

  • Make campsite reservation via the state parks website

• ~3320 ft. of hiking..that you will feel but totally doable!

• 9.7 miles, out and back will take at least 4.5-5 hours depending on pace
  

Highly recommend you start EARLY! Majority of the trail is exposed, meaning not much shade! The way up is climbing and feels like forever and can be difficult, going back down goes by super quick.

As for what to wear: Comfortable shoes…I’m not a hiking boots kind of girl. Usually just my running shoes. The more trek on the bottom the BETTER. There are lose rocks. I’d wear some light layers since you will warm up with how much elevation you gain. I wore leggings, tank top, flannel, and then over did it with a sweater. LOL. I ended up stuffing the sweater into my pack.

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Speaking of backpack..what to bring along…
I brought a small Nathan hydration backpack. I’m used to trail running several miles without any water, I managed with my 2 liter hydration pack. However, if you usually drink or need water during a work out I’d bring more along. I brought a cliff bar, apple, and a pack of gummies. But I wish I had brought a sandwich or wrap to enjoy at the top. So keep that in mind but there’s no need to carry much more.

The trail was BEAUTIFUL, hiking along the edge of the hillside with beautiful views! It would be amazing to catch the sunrise. Just saying. If you’re feeling more adventurous.

DON’T WORRY about going down the wrong trail!! It’s pretty much a straight shot so don’t stress over it.. Although, there is one spot that takes you further down the camp ground instead of up, so stay “left” on the way up. Then to make it to the actual peak go up to the GIANT solar panel looking thing, just past it is the peak. Enjoy the 360 degree breathtaking views…hopefully it’s not foggy. Then head back down after you breath it all in.

On my way back down…I couldn’t help but jog haha. Tripped because of lose rocks. But nothing serious. I came across people struggling on their way up with the sun beaming down on the trail. GLAD we had gotten an early start.

Hope you attempt it! I would love to hear how it goes!!!

I did this hike with an old coworker and his pals…not only was getting out there good for me but socializing with a new crowd helped me. I struggle with not having a close friend group and this gave me that sense of community I’ve been seeking. I’m not best of friends with these guys but I truly enjoyed their company and sharing the experience with them. As usual…I know I am loved and supported by several people but I don’t always feel it. But I came back home from that camping trip feeling better and accomplished. Especially because I beat the boys up. *hair flip* lol