VLOG 93: Black Swift Falls - Ragged Point (Big Sur, CA)

Sitting quietly at the edge of the Ragged Point Inn & Resort, at the southern edge of Big Sur, is a spot lovingly (and accurately) referred to as “the million dollar view”. Today we’re heading out from this spot to one of my favorite local hikes...join me as we journey to Black Swift Falls.
The trail down to this waterfall can be found next to the Ragged Point Inn pagoda and look out point. The trailhead is marked by a simple sign that says “Nature Trail - use at your own risk.” This hike is less than 3/4 of a mile round trip, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is an easy hike. The first few wooden steps lead to a steep, slick dirt path with multiple switchbacks and minimal shade. Parts of this trail are so narrow only one person can travel at a time, and rough brush can be overgrown including large patches of poison oak. In good weather you can descend nearly 400 feet straight down from the trailhead to the shore in just over 1/4 mile. It’s a very short hike, but it’s also treacherous and definitely not for a gentle day hiker.
Formed from Young Creek, Black Swift Waterfall is often referred to simply as the Ragged Point Waterfall, and you can’t see the waterfall from the trailhead. Only once you hike down to the shore do you see the towering waterfall behind you. This 300 foot seasonal waterfall rages uncontrollably after major storms, but can slow down to a trickle and even dry up completely in the Summer. After the towering drop, water streams towards the beautiful black sand at Young Creek Beach, but the beach all but disappears during high tide.
Big Sur is an incredible place, but it is also sensitive and vulnerable...local infrastructure is not set up to support mass visitors as many of our local state and national parks are. There are nearly 70 miles of Highway 1 coastline here without access to travel services, such as gas, food, trash and restrooms, so please do your research before your visit. Please join me in following the Leave No Trace principles. If we leave this place better than we found it, we will be rewarded with years of natural wonder. If you’re unfamiliar with The Big Sur Pledge, I encourage you to familiarize yourself prior to heading out to this beautiful area.
For more detailed information on this spot see my full "Black Swift Falls - Ragged Point' blog post at www.flyingdawnmarie.com/new-b...
#bigsur
#centralcoast
#raggedpoint
#waterfall
#highway1

[@AnnieGogoi]

Beautiful

[@TravelwithSuri]

What a majestic view. Its no surprise that the Ragged point inn is the gateway to the Big Sur - The Jewel of California. Beautiful views.

[@Twistedslop62]

I feel like that first place would be fun just to sit at for two hours.

[@flyingdawnmarie]

It definitely is! There are benches & lounge chairs here & it’s hard to beat sitting back & just enjoying the view. 😊