McWay falls is an icon worth a visit. I also like Montana de Oro for the great stratified rocks just south of Morro Bay.
There are a couple of good guides. One of them is put out by a local professional photographer, photo tour guide and author David Gubernick. He just updated his website with the guide here: http://www.rainbowspirit.com/photographers-guide.html
These should assist you when coming to photograph the area.
Derek
Posted by Guy Harrison on January 17, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Wow,
Incredible photos and advice, Derek. I linked to the rainbowspirit site and was blown away by the information on Garrapata park, but none of the other links worked. Does he charge for the rest (I don't mind but couldn't figure it out).
Thanks again, I only hope to get shots half as dramatic as some of yours!
Guy
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 17, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Here's some information in response to your questions about Big Sur. My Photographer's Guide to Big Sur is not yet finished - only Garrapata State Park section is online right now. let me know if you have other questions that I can help with.
In Big Sur:
Best places to shoot breaking waves : Garrapata State Park, especially gates 7 (where Derek Sedillo usually shoots), also Gate 4 (see details on my website www.rainbowspirit.com). Pt Lobos also. Please be careful if there are storms or large crashing waves - people have drowned on the beaches and cliffs here.
The butterflies at Pismo and the elephant seals near Cambria: the elephant seals are just south of Peidras Blancas Lighthouse - there's an obvious parking lot and sign for it on the west side of Hwy 1. The seals will be just below you on the beach. You can also walk north from the parking lot and see other elephant seals - no so crowded.
Big Sur sunsets: best beach locations Pfeiffer Beach and Garrapata Beach. There are no signs for either beach. Pfeiffer Beach turnoff (Sycamore Cyn Rd within Big Sur Vally) is about 1/4 mile south (downhill) from Loma Vista, Big Sur Post Office, and about 2/10th mile north (uphill) from the Big Sur Station. From the south you will be entering the Big Sur Valley when you pass Ventana Inn and Post Ranch Inn turnoffs. You'll be heading downhill - look for a yellow left turn (t-sign) after you pass Loma Vista (gas station, Big Sur Bakery) and the post office. The turnoff drops off very quickly and is easy to miss. There is a large yellow sign at the turnoff that says "Narrow Road" - it is narrow, two-way, paved road for 2 miles down to the parking lot for Pfeiffer Beach ($ to get in).
Garrapata beach pullout is about 1 mile north of the entrance to Rocky Pt Restaurant. You can get more detailed information about Garrapata beach and Garrapata State Park on my website.
photographing sunsets in Big Sur will depend totally upon whether or not there is coastal fog at the horizon. Once the sun goes behind the fog/clouds the light often goes flat. Sometimes the light can be quite lovely after sunset, so wait for 15 minutes or so after sunset to see what happens.
Big Sur sunsets: best overlooks with broad view of coast- again Garrapata State Park, especially the area at the base of Whale Knoll particularly at the north side of the knoll (accessed through gate 10 or via gate 8 - see my website again for more detailed info). Gate 4 has some good jagged coastal views.
The view from Hurricane Pt looking north is a classic and on a clear day you can see Santa Cruz. The pullout is on the west side of Hwy 1 and when coming from the south is on a blind curve - so suggest you go past the pullout and make a u-turn in the big dirt pullout just downhill from Hurricane Pt. About 1 mile north of Hurricane Pt is the turn out for Bixby Bridge - another classic. Just north of Bixby Bridge is Rocky Creek Bridge (often confused with Bixby Bridge) - worth a stop. About a mile north of Rocky Creek Bridge and about 1/10th mile north of Palo Colorado Rd is a long narrow paved pullout (west side) with a great view across the marine terrace with an arch in a rock and Rocky Creek Bridge in the distance (the pullout is just south of the entrance to Rocky Pt Restaurant).
Big Sur waterfalls: there are 3 big wonderful waterfalls to photograph - but unfortunately, one of them, Limekiln Falls, is not accessible because Limekiln State Park is still closed. The other two are readily available. Salmon Creek Falls and McWay Falls. McWay Falls is in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which is located farther north in the Big Sur Valley). Pull into the main entrance to the park and then walk back down the stairs and through the tunnel under Hwy 1 and turn right and just follow the overlook trail.
Salmon Creek Falls is not visible when traveling north (it is obvious when traveling south) because the falls is behind you on a blind curve. It is about 4 miles north of Ragged Pt Inn and 1/10th mile south of the Salmon Creek Ranger Station. There's a dirt pullout. The trail down to the falls can be very wet and slippery this time of year - so be very careful. Bring a plastic bag or something to protect equipment from water spray and to dry off your gear.
many other sites will be visible from the highway. The whole area of Pacific Valley (about a 4 mile stretch) offers some nice views - this is an area of lower-lying marine terraces. You'll have to climb over the stair steps (like step ladders) to get to the marine terraces. There is a sign for Pacific Valley which is north of Gorda.
Other areas - Pt Lobos for sure. Beaches north of Santa Cruz. If you have other questions, just let me know.
Posted by Guy Harrison on January 20, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Thanks to everyone, and especially Derek and David, for your great tips.
David, I must say that the guide you are posting, for free, on your website just goes way above and beyond the call of duty. I was amazed at the info and plan to spend an afternoon at Garrapata for sure. My wife will go crazy over the calla lilies!! The amount and quality of the work you put into that was unbelievable and it is a "must see" for anyone coming to the area.
Derek, I loved your photos and am hoping to get some of that slightly blurred wave action in my shots. If you don't mind, what shutter speeds generally work for that?
Guy
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 20, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Guy,
Thanks for the compliment. To show water motion I tend to shoot ~ .5 seconds. You can see the full EXIF data for each image on my website by hoovering over the non-enlarged image then clicking the i button.
BTW, if you go to see the Calla Lilies wear jeans and long sleeves. There are plants called stinging nettles which will sting you if touched. And it is very easy to accidentally touch those plants especially if you walk back to take in all the flowers. Gloves are advised if you go deep into that area. I speak from experience and a number of stings. Ouch!
Derek
Posted by Guy Harrison on January 26, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Derek
Having a great time here in Big Sur. Pfeiffer beach had a wonderful sunset tonight and last night it was incredibly stormy and dramatic.
I have one chance at a sunrise as tomorrow is supposed to be good weather. If you had one spot on Garrapata, where would it be? Sorry for posting this so late but I thought the sunrise would be a wash-out but it should be good after all.
Guy
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 26, 2010 at 10:40 PM
Guy,
Glad to hear you are having a good trip! You picked some wild and great weather for your trip.
Discussion
9 repliesI will be driving from LA to San Francisco from the 22d to the 27th. I would like some tips on:
Best places to shoot breaking waves
The butterflies at Pismo and the elephant seals near Cambria
Big Sur sunsets: best beach locations
Big sur sunsets: best overlooks with broad view of coast
Big sur waterfalls
Anything else you think I should hit!
Thanks!!
Guy
I live close to Big Sur and shoot it a lot. There are literally hundreds of photo ops. BTW, February is a great time for Dowd Creek (in Garrapata) Calla Lilies. http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations/Northern-California-2009/7049912_hqPLs#487358607_pd4xi-XL-LB
There are two places for breaking waves which are my favorite - Garrapata and Point Lobos.
Garrapata:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#757750188_Tp7sN-A-LB
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#762803147_nz2u3-A-LB
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations/Northern-California-2009/7049912_hqPLs#472251881_kNaB3-A-LB
Point Lobos:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations/Northern-California-2009/7049912_hqPLs#717477875_4JDEn-A-LB
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#756003002_jvaSh-A-LB
There is also a great spot near Nacimiento Fergusson Rd:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2009/7692690_JAj6E#510934250_ANvov-A-LB
McWay falls is an icon worth a visit. I also like Montana de Oro for the great stratified rocks just south of Morro Bay.
There are a couple of good guides. One of them is put out by a local professional photographer, photo tour guide and author David Gubernick. He just updated his website with the guide here: http://www.rainbowspirit.com/photographers-guide.html
And then Don Smith has just put together a reasonable e-book photographer's guide to Big Sur as well here: http://webfarm.foliolink.com/Asset.asp?AssetID=18375&AKey=J5ADJ6V2
These should assist you when coming to photograph the area.
Derek
Incredible photos and advice, Derek. I linked to the rainbowspirit site and was blown away by the information on Garrapata park, but none of the other links worked. Does he charge for the rest (I don't mind but couldn't figure it out).
Thanks again, I only hope to get shots half as dramatic as some of yours!
Guy
Glad you liked the photos. I find sunrise to be as rewarding if not more so than sunset. So if you are along this coast for several days thats something to consider waking up for. Also because Big Sur is away from major cities it is a great spot for night shots if you get some clear skies http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Locations/Northern-California-2009/7049912_hqPLs#722256392_A38Tw-A-LB
And if you like scenic hikes Garrapata's Rocky Ridge trail is awesome. I just hiked it yesterday with my son. Here is one of the views: http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#766828286_UQG4a-A-LB
Daivid has extensive knowledge of the Big Sur coast. I think he may still be putting the others parts of his site together. I'm not really sure.
Enjoy you visit.
Derek
Here's some information in response to your questions about Big Sur. My Photographer's Guide to Big Sur is not yet finished - only Garrapata State Park section is online right now. let me know if you have other questions that I can help with.
In Big Sur:
Best places to shoot breaking waves : Garrapata State Park, especially gates 7 (where Derek Sedillo usually shoots), also Gate 4 (see details on my website www.rainbowspirit.com). Pt Lobos also. Please be careful if there are storms or large crashing waves - people have drowned on the beaches and cliffs here.
The butterflies at Pismo and the elephant seals near Cambria: the elephant seals are just south of Peidras Blancas Lighthouse - there's an obvious parking lot and sign for it on the west side of Hwy 1. The seals will be just below you on the beach. You can also walk north from the parking lot and see other elephant seals - no so crowded.
Big Sur sunsets: best beach locations Pfeiffer Beach and Garrapata Beach. There are no signs for either beach. Pfeiffer Beach turnoff (Sycamore Cyn Rd within Big Sur Vally) is about 1/4 mile south (downhill) from Loma Vista, Big Sur Post Office, and about 2/10th mile north (uphill) from the Big Sur Station. From the south you will be entering the Big Sur Valley when you pass Ventana Inn and Post Ranch Inn turnoffs. You'll be heading downhill - look for a yellow left turn (t-sign) after you pass Loma Vista (gas station, Big Sur Bakery) and the post office. The turnoff drops off very quickly and is easy to miss. There is a large yellow sign at the turnoff that says "Narrow Road" - it is narrow, two-way, paved road for 2 miles down to the parking lot for Pfeiffer Beach ($ to get in).
Garrapata beach pullout is about 1 mile north of the entrance to Rocky Pt Restaurant. You can get more detailed information about Garrapata beach and Garrapata State Park on my website.
photographing sunsets in Big Sur will depend totally upon whether or not there is coastal fog at the horizon. Once the sun goes behind the fog/clouds the light often goes flat. Sometimes the light can be quite lovely after sunset, so wait for 15 minutes or so after sunset to see what happens.
Big Sur sunsets: best overlooks with broad view of coast- again Garrapata State Park, especially the area at the base of Whale Knoll particularly at the north side of the knoll (accessed through gate 10 or via gate 8 - see my website again for more detailed info). Gate 4 has some good jagged coastal views.
The view from Hurricane Pt looking north is a classic and on a clear day you can see Santa Cruz. The pullout is on the west side of Hwy 1 and when coming from the south is on a blind curve - so suggest you go past the pullout and make a u-turn in the big dirt pullout just downhill from Hurricane Pt. About 1 mile north of Hurricane Pt is the turn out for Bixby Bridge - another classic. Just north of Bixby Bridge is Rocky Creek Bridge (often confused with Bixby Bridge) - worth a stop. About a mile north of Rocky Creek Bridge and about 1/10th mile north of Palo Colorado Rd is a long narrow paved pullout (west side) with a great view across the marine terrace with an arch in a rock and Rocky Creek Bridge in the distance (the pullout is just south of the entrance to Rocky Pt Restaurant).
Big Sur waterfalls: there are 3 big wonderful waterfalls to photograph - but unfortunately, one of them, Limekiln Falls, is not accessible because Limekiln State Park is still closed. The other two are readily available. Salmon Creek Falls and McWay Falls. McWay Falls is in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which is located farther north in the Big Sur Valley). Pull into the main entrance to the park and then walk back down the stairs and through the tunnel under Hwy 1 and turn right and just follow the overlook trail.
Salmon Creek Falls is not visible when traveling north (it is obvious when traveling south) because the falls is behind you on a blind curve. It is about 4 miles north of Ragged Pt Inn and 1/10th mile south of the Salmon Creek Ranger Station. There's a dirt pullout. The trail down to the falls can be very wet and slippery this time of year - so be very careful. Bring a plastic bag or something to protect equipment from water spray and to dry off your gear.
many other sites will be visible from the highway. The whole area of Pacific Valley (about a 4 mile stretch) offers some nice views - this is an area of lower-lying marine terraces. You'll have to climb over the stair steps (like step ladders) to get to the marine terraces. There is a sign for Pacific Valley which is north of Gorda.
Other areas - Pt Lobos for sure. Beaches north of Santa Cruz. If you have other questions, just let me know.
David, I must say that the guide you are posting, for free, on your website just goes way above and beyond the call of duty. I was amazed at the info and plan to spend an afternoon at Garrapata for sure. My wife will go crazy over the calla lilies!! The amount and quality of the work you put into that was unbelievable and it is a "must see" for anyone coming to the area.
Derek, I loved your photos and am hoping to get some of that slightly blurred wave action in my shots. If you don't mind, what shutter speeds generally work for that?
Guy
Thanks for the compliment. To show water motion I tend to shoot ~ .5 seconds. You can see the full EXIF data for each image on my website by hoovering over the non-enlarged image then clicking the i button.
BTW, if you go to see the Calla Lilies wear jeans and long sleeves. There are plants called stinging nettles which will sting you if touched. And it is very easy to accidentally touch those plants especially if you walk back to take in all the flowers. Gloves are advised if you go deep into that area. I speak from experience and a number of stings. Ouch!
Derek
Having a great time here in Big Sur. Pfeiffer beach had a wonderful sunset tonight and last night it was incredibly stormy and dramatic.
I have one chance at a sunrise as tomorrow is supposed to be good weather. If you had one spot on Garrapata, where would it be? Sorry for posting this so late but I thought the sunrise would be a wash-out but it should be good after all.
Guy
Glad to hear you are having a good trip! You picked some wild and great weather for your trip.
For your first time to Garrapta I would recommend the seastacks just north of Soberanes Pt. You can see the trails here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/579/files/Garrapata08.pdf
And you can catch a nice perspective from above and as well as below like this:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#768886680_J7uBJ-XL-LB
If you go below always keep an eye on the approaching waves to avoid getting soaked.
Derek
Guy