Big Sur’s dramatic coastline and towering redwoods make it a dream spot for hikers. But planning a Big Sur adventure is tricky – there’s a lot to navigate, both literally and figuratively. That’s where Reddit comes in. With its wealth of niche communities, it’s a goldmine of advice from people who’ve been there, done that. Here’s a rundown of the best subreddits to help you get the most out of your Big Sur hiking trip.
1. r/CaliforniaHiking
Why It’s Great:
This subreddit, with over 120,000 members, is a goldmine for anyone interested in hiking across California. Naturally, Big Sur features prominently in the discussions. From detailed trip reports to advice on tackling trails like Pfeiffer Falls, Partington Cove, or the famous McWay Falls viewpoint, this community is perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
The diversity of posts stands out: one day, you’ll find a user sharing drone shots of the coastline; the next, you’ll see someone asking about the best time to avoid foggy conditions. The interactive map of California hikes pinned in the subreddit is an excellent tool for trip planning.
Pro Tip: Use the search bar to type “Big Sur” and browse through hundreds of archived threads. You’ll likely uncover hidden gems like lesser-known trails or warnings about closures.
2. r/Hiking
Why It’s Great:
With over 2.3 million members, r/Hiking is one of Reddit’s largest outdoor-focused communities. While it’s not exclusive to California or Big Sur, it offers a global perspective, which can be surprisingly helpful.
Big Sur often comes up in discussions about iconic U.S. hiking destinations. You’ll find posts comparing trails across states, allowing you to understand how Big Sur stacks up in terms of difficulty, scenery, and solitude. If you’re new to the area, ask about specific trails like the Pine Ridge Trail or Andrew Molera State Park Loop—chances are someone has hiked them recently and can share firsthand insights.
Here are some things to think about before you go hiking – can you trust Reddit? Is Reddit safe? Although Reddit is quite safe, there are still many risks. Attackers can watch you, monitor your activity, and even intercept your data. A wise decision is not to share personal information on Reddit and download VPN apps for PC before connecting to the service. With VeePN VPN apps, you can prevent surveillance and maintain anonymity on the Internet.
3. r/CampingandHiking
Why It’s Great:
Big Sur isn’t just about hiking; camping goes hand in hand with it. This subreddit caters to outdoor adventurers looking for a combination of hiking and overnight stays.
Whether you’re considering backcountry camping on the Sykes Hot Springs Trail or exploring car camping options at Kirk Creek Campground, this subreddit has you covered. It’s particularly valuable for gear recommendations, as posts frequently delve into essentials like lightweight tents, water filtration systems, and bear-proof containers.
Unique Aspect: Discussions about trail etiquette are common here. In one notable thread, a user detailed their encounter with overcrowding at Big Sur campgrounds and how they found a quieter spot through Reddit recommendations.
4. r/BigSur
Why It’s Great:
This subreddit is laser-focused on Big Sur, making it an indispensable resource. While its membership is smaller (around 8,600 members), the quality of posts is exceptional.
Local hikers, photographers, and residents frequent this subreddit, providing insights you won’t find in broader communities. Recent updates about trail conditions, weather warnings, and road closures (an unfortunate but frequent occurrence in Big Sur) are common here.
Hidden Gems: Members often share off-the-beaten-path hikes, like Panorama Trail or tips for navigating the Big Sur River Gorge. The discussions often blend hiking tips with broader Big Sur advice, such as where to find the best post-hike tacos.
5. r/PacificCrestTrail
Why It’s Great:
Though technically focused on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), this subreddit overlaps with Big Sur enthusiasts because of its dedication to California hiking. Many hikers here use Big Sur trails for training or shorter excursions when they’re not tackling the full PCT.
The community has a hardcore vibe, so expect to find threads on trail endurance, gear optimization, and navigation skills. For ambitious hikers planning multi-day treks in Big Sur, such as the Cone Peak Loop, the advice here can be transformative.
Stat Check: Big Sur has some of the most extreme elevation changes in California coastal hiking. Cone Peak, for example, rises to 5,155 feet, making it one of the tallest coastal mountains in the contiguous U.S.
6. r/WildernessBackpacking
Why It’s Great:
This subreddit is all about immersing yourself in the wilderness, and Big Sur’s remote trails make it a frequent topic of conversation. Backpackers discuss routes, like the Ventana Double Cone Trail, known for its breathtaking views and challenges.
One popular thread detailed a user’s 3-day journey across Big Sur’s backcountry, complete with maps, photos, and tips for water sources. Discussions often include safety tips for dealing with wildlife (like the occasional mountain lion sighting) and advice for navigating trails that might not be well-marked.
Pro Tip: If you’re venturing into Big Sur’s backcountry, look for threads discussing trail apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS. But again, don’t forget about VeePN to keep your location data from leaking to strangers. GPS data is too valuable to be taken lightly.
7. r/NationalParks
Why It’s Great:
Big Sur is home to multiple state parks that feel like national treasures. While this subreddit focuses on U.S. national parks, Big Sur’s parks frequently make cameo appearances. Discussions about Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are particularly common.
What Stands Out: The photography here is stunning. A thread featuring sunset photos from the Ewoldsen Trail once garnered thousands of upvotes, sparking a vibrant discussion about timing hikes to coincide with golden hour.
Why Reddit Works for Big Sur Hikers
Reddit’s value lies in its ability to connect people with shared interests. For Big Sur hikers, this means real-time updates on trail conditions, firsthand accounts of hiking experiences, and access to advice from seasoned adventurers.
In a place as dynamic as Big Sur—where fog can roll in unexpectedly and trails can be closed —staying informed is crucial. Reddit provides that lifeline, ensuring your hiking adventures are not only memorable but safe.