Big Sur
Gazing upon California's rugged central coast from Highway 1 for the very first time this past week, my immediate thought was: I am a bad Californian.
How have I lived here so long without ever visiting?
In fairness, it's a big state, and Big Sur is often foggy and not particularly easy to get to. Still: bad Andy. Bad, bad, bad. If I were to make a list of places you really ought to see in person, this would have to be near the top.
The highway itself is a marvel of either audacity or bad judgement. Take your pick. Like the Angeles Crest Highway to the south, the Cabrillo Highway travels steep and precarious ground, and may well be similarly vulnerable. So don't wait too long to visit.
Note that the high point of the Santa Lucia Range, Junipero Serra Peak, rises nearly 6000 feet above the Pacific. Nearby 5155' Cone Peak is a mere three miles from the shoreline, making it easily California's highest "coast-adjacent" peak. Well worth some future exploration, I'd say.
— June 26, 2026
Andy Lewicky is the author and creator of SierraDescents
Dan Conger June 27, 2026 at 7:45 am
We took a family trip from Canoga Park to Santa Cruz on Highway 1 when I was young. Long drive ... but gorgeous.
Another piece of California coast line that is also incredibly beautiful and even harder to access is the Lost Coast of Mendocino and Humboldt Counties. Also a "must see" area of the state.
Walter Kibler June 28, 2026 at 1:18 pm
I read on wikipedia that there was an "unauthorized skiing operation" that took place at the top of Junipero Serra Peak. Seems crazy considering the elevation - even in a good season I would expect you're getting like ~500 feet MAX of anything close to resembling good turns. Do you have any knowledge of the nature of this "operation"? it's fascinating to me
Andy June 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I saw that also! But otherwise no knowledge of the "operation" -- though I may try to conduct one of my own in the near future, weather permitting :)
Matt D July 7, 2026 at 8:09 pm
Junipero Serra Peak is definitely on the fantasy ski descent board, like Big Pine in Santa Barbara County!