Calla Lily Valley is such a beautiful stop along Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur, California. Located in Garrapata State Park, visiting this natural ravine of lilies is a quick and easy hike and is a must-see trail for your Big Sur road trip.
This was definitely one of my favorite stops during our California coast road trip and is an excellent spot to catch the sunset and enjoy the beauty of nature.
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Below I’m sharing my hiking guide for Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur – including their peak bloom season, where to find them, and everything else you should know for your own visit.
When is the Best Time to Visit to See the Calla Lilies Bloom in Big Sur?
Calla Lily Valley only bloom for a short period of time every year. The peak bloom season for these wild calla lilies is during the spring, through the months of February to mid-April. Sometimes they’re seen as early as late-January and as late as the end of April. So if you want to see these California wildflowers, you’ll have to time your Big Sur road trip just right!
We also opted to visit here for the sunset, and I think at golden hour the best time of day to see these beautiful calla lily flowers – I couldn’t recommend it more.
Where to Find Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur?
Calla Lily Valley is located in Garrapata State Park near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. You can find the calla lily flowers at the western end of Doud Creek, in front of Garrapata Beach. The start of Garrapata Trail is located along the coastal side of CA Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway), just north of Doud Creek.
Where do you Park for Calla Lily Valley?
Although there are no signs indicating where the trailhead starts for Calla Lily Valley, you will see a dirt pullout with plenty of spots where you can park along Pacific Coast Highway / CA Highway 1. Once you’re parked, you will see a somewhat hidden gate (Gate 18) along the coastal side that serves as the start of the hiking trail. From there it’s a quick 0.2 mile hike down Garrapata Trail to the calla lily field.
Here are the coordinates for the Calla Lily Valley trailhead: 36°25’22.2″N 121°54’44.5″W
The Hike to Calla Lily Valley
The hike to Calla Lily Valley is a quick 10-minute walk in Garrapata State Beach. From where you parked along Highway 1, it’s an easy 0.2 mile hike down Garrapata Trail to the calla lily field.
Things to Know for Your Hike in Big Sur
- The hike to this beautiful spot is less than 1/2 mile round-trip. The end of the trail leads to a staircase that takes you down to the white calla lilies and Garrapata State Beach.
- Big Sur as a whole has little to no cell reception, so you will want to download an offline map ahead of time. The one I use is the Maps.me app.
- Big Sur is known for having lots of poison ivy and poison oak, including around Calla Lily Valley, so it’s a good idea to wear closed-toed shoes and clothing that covers your arms and legs while you’re on the trails. Good footwear is also recommended for visiting these beautiful wildflowers as there are slippery rocks in the valley.
More to Explore near Calla Lily Valley
Explore more of the parks, fantastic hiking trails, viewpoints, and beaches that Big Sur has to offer! Nearby Calla Lilly Valley, this stretch of California coastline has plenty of spots for photo ops and adventuring.
Be sure to check out these other spots during your road trip along Highway 1 in Big Sur, California:
- Garrapata State Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Bixby Bridge
- McWay Falls
- Carmel Beach | Carmel by the Sea, CA
Have you visited the picturesque Calla Lily Valley bloom in Big Sur? Share your experiences with me in the comments below!
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The Gal Behind the Blog
Hi, I’m Rylie — Welcome to my corner of the internet!
I’m a California transplant now living in Colorado, and a former corporate travel agent turned solo traveler, photographer, and travel blogger.
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Iceland’s geothermal pools are a must to add to your travel bucket list!
You have probably already heard of the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, but have you heard of this newer geothermal pool?
[SAVE this post for your next visit!]
SKY LAGOON
Sky Lagoon is located right in Reykjavík and is one of the newer attractions in the area. This geothermal lagoon opened in April 2022 and is only a 10-minute drive from the city center.
Not to mention, it’s located right on the coastline, so you can enjoy your soak here while overlooking the ocean 🌊✨
Sky Lagoon offers a swim-up bar, showers and changing rooms, and dining - So you can easily spend an entire day here.
Have you visited the Sky Lagoon yet? 🤍
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