Big Sur through the Backdoor (3 days)

Day 1
Day 1
Monterey to King City
The journey begins as you roll down to Cannery Row and then begin a circumnavigation of the Monterey Peninsula along the scenic 17-Mile Drive. The route then heads to Carmel Valley Road for the long gentle climb into Carmel Valley Village. After the village, the climbing becomes steadier, including a 1-mile segment at 8%. Eventually the road turns downward as you leave the Santa Lucia Mountains and begin to follow the path of the Arroyo Seco River into the Salinas Valley. After Greenfield, the route crosses the valley floor before skirting the edges of farmland on the final approach into King City.

Distance: Up to 87 miles
Elevation: Up to 4,800’
Read more
Day 2
Day 2
King City to Cambria
Today is the whole reason for this route's existence. It’s about experiencing the best possible approach to the Big Sur Coast. From King City the route rolls gently upward, passing through Fort Hunter Liggett and into the Los Podres National Forest. Once on Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. there is more gently upwardly rolling terrain across oak-studded woodlands before the epic descent down to the coast and more than 40 miles of tailwind-aided cruising along the southern Big Sur coast. Don't miss the elephant seals at San Simeon!

Distance: Up to 89 miles
Elevation: Up to 6,500’
Read more
Day 3
Day 3
Cambria to Avila Beach
Highlights of today’s route include sea otters in Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro State Park (with a 2mi easy gravel option to access the best views), and the challenging climb up Prefumo Canyon with stellar views of Morro Rock. Big Sur's rugged coast and inaccessible beaches are a distant memory once you arrive at Avila Beach with its southern California beach town vibes.

Distance: Up to 71 miles
Elevation: Up to 4,300'
Read more