Gamboa Point Beach – Kirk Creek 🏕️ Campground loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Gamboa Point Beach – Kirk Creek 🏕️ Campground loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
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Gamboa Point Beach – Kirk Creek 🏕️ Campground loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
06:31
91.8km
1,820m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 18.7 km for 131 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
8.69 km
Seals Beach Overlook 🐋 Big Sur Cabrillo Highway 1
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
19.5 km
Entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park & Lodge
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
42.8 km
John Little State Natural Reserve
Nature Reserve
52.3 km
Gamboa Point Beach
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
61.0 km
Limekiln State Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
64.2 km
Kirk Creek 🏕️ Campground
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
70.8 km
Lucia Lodge Coastal View
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
85.3 km
Rocky Creek Slip-Out (October 2024)
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
86.4 km
Esalen Institute ♨️ Slates Hot Spring
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
91.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
88.1 km
2.59 km
589 m
567 m
Surfaces
80.6 km
8.09 km
2.76 km
402 m
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Elevation
Highest point (290 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
23°C
10°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking a truly epic challenge with unparalleled coastal rewards, the Gamboa Point Beach – Kirk Creek 🏕️ Campground loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a touring cycling route you won't soon forget. This difficult 57.1-mile (91.8 km) journey packs in a staggering 5987 feet (1825 metres) of elevation gain, demanding around 6 hours and 31 minutes of saddle time. It's a quintessential Big Sur adventure, best suited for experienced touring cyclists with very good fitness who crave dramatic scenery and a profound sense of accomplishment.
What to expect on Gamboa Point Beach – Kirk Creek 🏕️ Campground loop from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Prepare for a ride that constantly shifts between demanding climbs and breathtaking vistas. The route traverses the western slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains, offering diverse and challenging terrain. You'll navigate sweeping coastal curves, dramatic knolls, and rugged rock headlands, with panoramic views of the Big Sur River Valley and the vast Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for crashing surf, diverse marine life like elephant seals, and the iconic Bixby Bridge. While the primary overlook for McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is currently closed, the sheer scale of the landscape will keep you captivated. This is a ride for those who embrace the grind; expect to push your bike on some segments due to the steep grades.
Planning your visit
This challenging touring cycling loop requires careful planning. Due to the mountainous terrain and significant climbs, ensure you have very good fitness before attempting it. While primarily on paved surfaces, some sections may be unpaved and difficult. Kirk Creek Campground, a highlight of the route, is renowned for its ocean views and is a prime spot for whale watching from November to February. Always check for current road conditions and potential closures along Highway 1, especially during adverse weather, as Big Sur can be prone to slides.
Trail details
- Distance: 57.1 miles (91.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 5987 feet (1825 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 6 hours and 31 minutes
Comments
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