Big Sur River Gorge — Attraction in Gonzales

Amazing! A challenging hike for our family - 9yo (no issues) and 6yo (had to help lift up or down a few times). Costs $10 to get in. Initially, the hikes starts on a paved road, then turns into a dirt road, and afterward, you run into huge boulders and the river. It's up to you to decide when and where to cross the river. Watch your little ones with the current. Also recommend water shoes due to all of the slippery rocks. Quite a bit of climbing, and you will definitely get wet, it's unavoidable, but maybe only to the thighs, depending on your height and where you decide to cross. It took us about 30 min to get to the gorge. Water was about 65 degrees and clear. Kids had a blast jumping off the tall boulders into the water. Luckily, it was a warm, beautiful day to dry off afterward. People brought towels, lunch, and drinks to relax. There's not too much...

Worth it. Park in lot 3. Pass the metal gate. Hike up the trail. You'll see a sign "Big Sur River Gorge" right before a bridge. You can go by the sign onto the edge of the river or go across the bridge, past the campsites and start walking between sights 111 and 112. There isn't a real trail as much as a hike along the rocks on the edge of the river. Keep going until you see fit to cross to the left side, you do have to be on the left side of the river to get to it. Expect to get your shoes and up to your knees wet depending how agile you are. There will be small watering holes along the way but you'll know when you're there. The water is deep enough for swimming. There is a rope latter you can climb and jump from on the other end of the Gorge. Careful of wasps and mosquitos. Wear...

Big Sur River Gorge is a hidden gem for those who love adventure and natural beauty. The trail isn’t marked, and reaching the gorge requires scrambling over rocks, wading through the river, and a bit of effort, but that’s part of the fun. Once you arrive, you’re rewarded with crystal-clear water, smooth boulders, and peaceful pools perfect for cooling off on a warm day. It feels secluded and untouched, making it a great escape from the busier parts of Big Sur. Water shoes are highly recommended, as the rocks can be slippery. Not the easiest spot to get to, but if you’re up for the adventure, the gorge is...