Beating the 100-Degree Heat: When to Visit

The park sits several miles inland from the Pacific, and the Santa Lucia Mountains lie between it and the coast, so the ocean's cooling influence does not reach this ground the way it does on the shoreline. Conditions here can differ sharply from where you started, so plan for the weather inside the park.

Many trails have little shade, so hot-weather hiking takes preparation. Each person should carry about a liter of water for every hour on the trail, since none is available once you leave developed areas. Visitor centers and campgrounds are the only places to refill, so pack enough for the whole outing. Sun protection makes a real difference, so dress in pale colors, cover your head, and apply sunscreen before you set out. Starting early or finishing late keeps you clear of the hottest hours.

The gap between day and night temperatures is large in every season. Summer nights often drop to around 50 degrees, which can make the daily range between 30 and 50 degrees depending on the season. Winter days are milder, with highs usually in the 60s, but overnight temperatures can fall below freezing and sometimes into the low 20s. Pack layers so you can stay comfortable from morning to evening.

Spring and fall stand out as the most comfortable times to come. Spring brings fresh green growth and wildflowers to the trails, a good time to walk among the blooms. Fall also brings pleasant weather for hiking, which suits a walk to the Bear Gulch Caves. Winter is the wettest stretch, with most of the rain falling from December through March. Snowfall is uncommon, but light amounts can reach the higher ground, so bring warm layers and rain protection.