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The Big
Sur coast is rich with activities for adventurous and non-adventurous alike.
Numerous hiking trails wind through the rugged Santa Lucia Mountain range
traversing redwood canyons and sun-drenched ridges. Less strenuous but equally
fascinating hikes can be made from well marked points of interest along
the coast.
Local
scenic hikes
Close to Lucia is a beautiful hike to the New Camaldolese Monastery
located above Lucia. This hike is especially beautiful first thing
in the morning. Round trip to the top will take from 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
Please be respectful that this is a working Catholic Monastery.
The historic and beautiful Limekiln Creek is located 2 miles south
of Lucia. Around the 1800's this area buzzed with activity as ships
waiting off-shore were supplied with tanbark and lime from this spectacular
canyon. You can still find the giant kilns by taking a half-mile hike
through this redwood lined canyon. |
Beaches
and coastal access
While sand beaches are rare along the rocky cliffs of the Big Sur
coast, the South Coast around Lucia has some of the most interesting
and famous beaches to be found. Jade Cove is world famous for the
high quality green and golden. Over $1 million in jade has been taken
from the area. The Guinness Book of World Records list a 9,000-pound
nephrite boulder found at Jade Cove as the largest piece of jade ever
found.
Sand Dollar Beach, eight miles south, is one of the largest and most
diverse beaches in the area. The nearly mile-long stretch of beach
offers sand, tide pools, surfing and a wide range of sea-life. The
long crescent shape and high cliffs also make perfect conditions for
hang-gliders who occasionally sail overhead. |
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Nature
and sea life
The Big Sur coast absolutely brims with rare and endangered species.
From your cabin or our outdoor dining deck you can frequently spot
whales as they migrate between breeding grounds near Mexico and feeding
areas near Alaska and Canada. Sea otters and sea lions also frequent
the kelp bed directly below Lucia Lodge. Look up and you may see bald
or American eagles, as well as endangered California Condors and peregrine
falcons.
Deer are often seen "trimming" the lodge landscaping. In the spring
swallows and quail are abundant around Lucia. While shy and elusive,
the Big Sur range is also home to the cougar or mountain lion, and
a variety of foxes. |
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