Andrew Molera State Park
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| Andrew Molera State Park | |
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| Location | Monterey County, California |
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| Coordinates | 36°17′00″N 121°50′00″W / 36.2833333°N 121.8333333°WCoordinates: 36°17′00″N 121°50′00″W / 36.2833333°N 121.8333333°W |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Andrew Molera State Park is a state park located in Monterey County, California, United States.
Situated on land previously owned by the Molera ranching family, the park is named in commemoration of Andrew Molera (died 1931), who introduced the artichoke to California in 1922.[1] His sister, Frances Molera (died 1968), made the name a condition when she sold the property to the Nature Conservancy in 1965.[2]
Located on the Big Sur coast, this park is still relatively undeveloped and offers visitors great hiking, fishing and beachcombing, with miles of trails winding through meadows, beaches and hilltops. A primitive walk-in trail camp, popular with hikers and bikers, is located approximately one-third of a mile from the parking area. It is considered the most reliable surfing area in Big Sur.
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[edit] Cooper Cabin
The park features the historic Cooper Cabin, built in 1888. It is the oldest structure in Big Sur.
[edit] Discovery Center
The Ventana Wildlife Society has established a Discovery Center at Andrew Molera State Park. The Discovery Center includes exhibits on local wildlife (including the California condor) and a bird banding lab. Scientists and other lab employees give regular tours of Andrew Molera State Park, explaining the flora and fauna that are unique to the area. Open Friday-Sunday, 9-4pm.[3]
[edit] Andrew Molera SP Trail Camp
There are 24 identified sites. Camping is allowed only at these sites, with a maximum of four people per site. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. No dogs are allowed on the trails or campground.
The park is 20 miles south of Carmel on State Route 1.
[edit] Hiking Trails
Andrew Molera State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails. Some run along the shore, others along the Big Sur River, while still others climb to high ridges with views of the entire Big Sur coast.
[edit] Andrew Molera Falls
The park also features a year-round waterfall, the Andrew Molera Falls. Andrew Molera Falls is an approximately 70 ft waterfall.
Other nearby waterfalls include Limekiln Falls, Salmon Creek Falls, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Falls in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
[edit] References
- ^ Eat your heart out, Jeannette Ferrary, Via magazine, May 2000
- ^ Discover California State Parks in the Monterey Area , California State Parks official website
- ^ Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau: Andrew Molera State Park
