Big Sur Region
Contents
Location
Big Sur is a rugged, mountainous region without official borders, but is identified to being along the Central Coast of California bounded to the north by Carmel and to the south by Ragged Point, just past the southern, coastal border of San Simeon. Big Sur is a region known for its scenic views, campgrounds, hiking trails, and beaches. Highway 1 runs along the entirety of Big Sur, beginning roughly at the city of Carmel by the sea down to San Luis Obispo.
Geography
Climate
The Big Sur region experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by dry summers and mild wet winters. From 1915 - 2016 the average annual temperature was 68.6 F and the average rainfall was 40.79 inches[1] . Big Sur receives significantly more rain than other parts of Monterey County due to the influence of the coastally positioned Santa Lucia Mountains. The high ridges cause damp, and foggy mornings. These brisk mornings are followed by warm afternoons. Many believe the best weather to be during spring and fall, avoiding the colder temperatures of winter, and the scorching heat of summer.
Ecology
Big Sur is part of the historical range of the California Condor , a critically endangered species.
History
Big Sur historically was occupied by the Rumsen, Esselen, Salinan, and Chalon Tribal groups.
Later, Big Sur was called “El Sur Grande” in Spanish, translating to the Big South. Originally two Mexican land grants, it wasn’t till later that hardy settlers began staking their claim. Many landmarks of the Big Sur region today share their names, in honor of those settlers.
Big Sur became home to redwood lumber industries and steamers harbored at Notley’s Landing, Partington Cove, and the mouth of Litte Sur River. [2]
The Point Sur Lighthouse was built in 1889 to help guide the ships along the rocky coast.
The section of Highway 1 that runs along the scenic drive of Big Sur wasn’t built until 1937, after 18 years of construction. Electricity followed in the 1950s, providing light and power to the residents of Big Sur.
Popularity
Big Sur is a region known for its scenic views, campgrounds, hiking trails, and beaches. Big Sur's coastline is largely undisturbed and protected from development. Big Sur continues to be a major tourist location for individuals around the world.
Political
- National Heritage Area
- The Big Sur region is central to the proposed Range of the Condor National Heritage Area.
Links
Wildfire
Historic Wildfires
- Marble Cone Fire (1977)
- Rat Creek - Gorda Complex Fire (1985)
- Kirk Complex Wildfire (1999)
- Basin Complex Fire (2008)
- Soberanes Fire (2016)
Agencies
Public
Private/Non-Profit
Places
State Parks and Reserves
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Garrapata State Park
- Point Sur State Historic Park
- Andrew Molera State Park
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- John Little State Natural Reserve
- Limekiln State Park
- Hearst San Simeon State Park
Regional
Designations
- Wild and Scenic Rivers in California's Central Coast Region
- Designated wilderness areas in Calfornia's Central Coast Region
References
- ↑ Big Sur Station - Western Regional Climate Center, Desert Research Institue https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca0790
- ↑ http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/history.html
Disclaimer
This page may contain students' work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.