Jade Cove in Big Sur, CA - California Beaches

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About Jade Cove in Big Sur, California

Jade Cove is a rocky cove south of Sand Dollar Picnic Area on the southern Big Sur Coast. Jade Cove is known for the jade stones that have been plucked from these waters for years.

Monterey Jade comes in many colors including grayish green (most common), emerald green, black, red, blue, and even white. Some of the stones pulled from Jade Cove have been large and highly valuable, and unfortunately, few quality stones remain. Even though the get-rich-quick jewels are gone, it’s still worth the hike to see this rocky cove.

Wear sturdy shoes to explore this cove as the route down is steep and the shoreline is very rocky. The descent is direct with not much of a trail and is so steep that there’s usually a fixed rope in place. If a rope is installed, test it and then use it. If you don’t see a trustworthy rope, you might want to pass on going down. Note that at high tide, the shoreline might be all wet and don’t even consider a visit during high surf when sneaker waves could crash and knock you down. Read the signage at the trailhead to understand the dangers and know the rules of this beach.

Look for parking spaces on the ocean side of Highway 1 as close as possible to the most direct trail to Jade Cove (see our map). From this parking area you will walk about 150 yards (meters) across an open meadow toward the water to find the route down.

North Jade Cove is just a bit farther north along the bluff trail, but the descent into that cove is even steeper.