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Pebble Beach Big Rock Trail

The Pebble Beach Big Rock Trail in Crescent City, California is a difficult 0.4-mile out-and-back trail that leads down the steep banks of Pebble Beach and out to a large rock formation dubbed Big Rock.

While this trail is very short, it follows a very steep hillside that leads down to the beach, up to Big Rock, and back up to parking - hence the hard difficulty. Hikers can only attempt to reach Big Rock during low tide without risk of getting stuck on Big Rock for 12-hours.

Once hikers reach the beach, follow the beach south and then southwest toward Big Rock. During low tide, the unmarked trail along the beach will be visible all the way out to Big Rock.

Warning
This trail can only be completed at low tide and I will stress, you do not want to get stuck on Big Rock in high tide. This small trail is packed with amazing views and is worth seeing if you can make it out for low tide. Some parts of the trail are for the brave and the bold, no doubt, but the actual risk factor is low.

Seastacks
The attraction on this trail is the seastack Big Rock. Seastacks are tall rock formations, left standing by wave erosion. They can be found on the beach and in the ocean along this trail.
Explore 27 trails near Crescent City, CA

Know Before You Go

  • The Pebble Beach Big Rock Trail is a short (0.4 miles) but challenging hike due to its steep incline.
  • Access to Big Rock is only possible and safe during low tide; hikers risk being stranded if they attempt it during high tide.
  • The trail offers scenic views and features unique seastacks, specifically the large rock formation known as Big Rock.
Interactive topographic map for Pebble Beach Big Rock Trail located in Crescent City, CA. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
0.4 mi
Difficulty
Hard
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
12 min
Elev. Gain
88'
Rating
0.0
Added
August 15, 2019
Updated
September 06, 2019

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
92'
Ascent
88'
Descent
68'
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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    41.755913, -124.220429
  2. Main Trailhead

    41.755823, -124.220598

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Snakes (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, others)
Poison Ivy or Poison Oak
Rockfalls, Ledges, or Scrambles

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

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