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2018 Map of Pfeiffer Point

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of Pfeiffer Point
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

The Big Sur River cuts through this coastal landscape as it approaches the Pacific Ocean, revealing the dramatic geography of the Santa Lucia Range in Monterey County. The small settlement of Posts stands as a focal point for the region, while the public lands of the Los Padres National Forest encompass numerous natural landmarks and recreational paths. Steep canyons, such as Sycamore Canyon and Castro Canyon, dominate the shoreward terrain, leading to distinct coastal features like Pfeiffer Point and the evocative Wreck Beach.

For hikers and local historians, the intricate network of trails provides insight into the accessibility of this territory in 2018. The map documents the Pine Ridge Trail, Gorge Trail, and Pfeiffer Ridge Rd, showing how travel is concentrated along the narrow coastal shelf. High-elevation points like Cooper Point and inland features such as Pfeiffer Falls illustrate the rapid rise from sea level to the mountain peaks that define this portion of the California coast.