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2017


See the Rare and Elusive Condors of California at Big Sur

Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

One of the most well-known sights of Big Sur along the central coastline of California is McWay Waterfall, where a stream of water cascades down an 80-foot sheer cliff right onto a sandy beach. Perhaps the most photographed site, and certainly the most popular image in Big Sur, the little cove is surrounded by majestic views of seaside cliffs, towering pines, and glimmering aqua water. And as if the sight of the landscape of Big Sur was not enough, add to that the possibility of sighting the rare California condor, which has the largest wingspan of any land bird in North America. With only two hundred of these birds left in the wild, seeing one in its natural habitat is a truly rewarding sight.

McWay Waterfall Trail isn't the most marked trail, and the trailhead starts right off Highway 1. Unless you know what you're looking for, you will, like most motorists who speed by, miss one of the most famous sights of Big Sur in California. This is located right near the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, on the opposite side of the freeway, and the cars parked along the side of the freeway will be a good indicator that you're in the right place. From there, look for the 0.64-mile trail along the cliffs, which ends in a lookout point giving you a spectacular vantage for viewing the McWay Falls.

While breathing in the scent of eucalyptus and gazing out at the wide ocean around Big Sur, I spied several large, black birds circling in the skies overhead. Most of the tourists around showed no sign of recognition, but a few photographers with huge zoom lenses confirmed that they were, indeed, the elusive condors of California. A few moments later, their telltale markings were visible. One of the Californian condors perched on the top of a pine tree, the better to gaze into the distance, and with the bird holding still, a zoom lens could pick up the number on its tag. I was lucky to have seen one of California's rarest birds in one of the state's most breathtaking places for natural beauty. Just a little detour off the highway yielded one of the most gratifying travel experiences we had yet encountered, another reminder that beauty is everywhere, if you care to look for it.

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When to Go to Condors Big Sur

Sighting condors at Big Sur is rare and uncommon, and never guaranteed. These huge birds were on the brink of extinction until the 1980s when the remaining 22 wild birds were captured and put into a breeding program at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the Los Angeles Zoo. Since then, their numbers have increased, but they are still endangered. Count yourself lucky if you are able to get a glimpse of these creatures. That being said, the McWay Waterfall Trail at Big Sur in California is one of the best locations for sighting the Californian condors, as they tend to prefer tall cliffs and trees.

Even if you don't see any Big Sur condors, the McWay Falls are such a popular image that it is worth the short stop to walk the trail and look out over the cliffs anytime you happen to be driving by on Highway 1.

Odds n' Ends

The McWay Waterfall Trail is a short one, but on a sunny day you may wish to bring water and sunscreen. Binoculars for looking out into the distance are a good idea, and if you have a good zoom lens for your camera, be sure to bring that along in case of any interesting wildlife sightings.

More Experiences Nearby

Encounter Elephant Seals Breeding at Piedras Blancas Beach
The cries of the elephant seals reached our ears as we walked along the boardwalk towards Piedras Blancas Beach along the Central Coast of California. Strange popping sounds heralded the huge males as they threatened each other for beach territory, while the females wailed as they nursed their young. The vast expanse of beach was completely covered by a mass of milling, blubbery bodies, reminiscent of overstuffed sausages, yet surprisingly agile. A huge male, his large snout hanging like an elephant's trunk (from whence the elephant seals get their name), rose onto his front flippers and chased another male down ...36 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

Day Hikes Around Big Sur: 80 Great Hikes
The Natural History of Big Sur
Return of the Condor: The Race to Save Our Largest Bird from Extinction

Media References

California Condor Gymnogyps californian - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)

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