1956 Map of Big Sur

About this map

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the rugged coastal mountains of Monterey County define this mid-century look at the California coast. The map illustrates a landscape transitioning from the coastal terrace of El Sur into the high ridges of the Los Padres National Forest. Cultural landmarks like the Pico Blanco Boy Scout Camp and Jackson Camp are located deep within the interior, accessible only via the Skinner Trail and other mountain paths. Along the shoreline, the California Sea Otter State Game Refuge extends into the Pacific Ocean, while the original transport corridor of the Old Coast Road winds through the hills above State Route 1. The map captures the complex topography of Pico Blanco and the headwaters of the Little Sur River, reflecting the isolation of the Santa Lucia Range before the era of intensive tourism.