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About North Jade Cove in Big Sur, California

North Jade Cove is between Jade Cove and Sand Dollar Beach in the Big Sur area of Monterey County. It’s known for having jade stones, but most of them are gone now. This shoreline is rugged and access is downright treacherous, however it’s a short hike out to the bluff where scenic views can be found.

Like Jade Cove just to the south, this spot is filled with jade stones of various shades of green (and red, black, blue, and white) that are fun to discover. Removing any of the stones from these coves is illegal and signs at the trailhead make that clear. Just take pictures of anything you find and enjoy the adventure.

Many visitors will want to stop at the edge of the bluff and simply enjoy looking down on the cove from above. The route down to North Jade Cove is very steep and usually has a fixed rope to aid those who climb down. Sturdy shoes are a must if you want to go down and not just for the scramble down. The shoreline in this cove is filled with huge slippery boulders so it’s best when completely dry (think sunny day when the tide is out).

The hike out to the point that separates North Jade Cove and Sand Dollar Beach is pleasant. About 1000 feet offshore from the point is Plaskett Rock which is white with bird guano and usually has birds to view (unless it’s foggy which is common here).

Parking spaces for North Jade Cove can be found along the Highway 1 shoulder about a half-mile south of the entrance to Sand Dollar Beach Picnic Area. From this entrance the trail heads through some trees then opens up to a grassy meadow on the bluff. The crumbling trail to the beach is near the center of the cove.

Address
69232 Cabrillo Hwy
Big Sur, CA 93920
Phone
831-667-2315
Park Name
Jade Cove Beach Recreation Area, Los Padres National Forest
Pet Details
Dogs allowed on leash
Fees
Free parking along the Highway 1 road shoulder
Activities
Rockhounding, Hiking
Amenities
Trails, Colorful Stones, No Facilities
Map of North Jade Cove
Monterey, US
2:39 pm, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 66°F
L: 50° H: 66°
Feels like 65.62 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 6 m/s
UV Index: 2.31
Precipitation: 0.02 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:56 am
Sunset: 7:24 pm
Humidity 71 %
Pressure1018 mb
Wind 6 m/s

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Jade Cove

0.3 miles away

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Sand Dollar Beach

0.4 miles away

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