April Big Sur Trip planning advice needed from Colorado Photog

I've got an airline voucher that needs used before May 1st and am thinking about a trip to Big Sur. For the first time in my life, rather than researching anything and everything about a trip, I would rather just take the advice of the "expert locals" here in this forum. I'll probably have between 3 and 5 days and don't mind hiking, camping, or spending the night in a hotel. I just want an adventure with some good sightseeing and photography opportunities.

I know I could easily go out at sunset about anywhere along the coast and get some great shots, but I'm also looking for suggestions on the order / sequence of locations visited, good lodging recommendations, etc. as well as areas that provide good shooting during the day or sunrise.

Any suggestions or web resource links are much appreciated.

Here are some Highlights of Big Sur (traveling from North to South along Highway One). It comes from an unpublished article I am working on for my blog. I put my personal favorites in bold.

Point Lobos for detailed write-up check the Natural History Wanderings posting: Pt. Lobos-a “must do”, but avoid the crowds
Garrapata State Park Coastal Park with beaches, redwoods, views, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and diverse coastal vegetation. Whales pass close during annual migrations.
Bixby Bridge a dramatic and scenic 714 foot long arched bridge that is historically important as it made Big Sur Accessible by car. You probably have seen it in automobile commercials.scienceview.berkeley.edu
Hurricane Point a high viewpoint with several turnouts
Point Sur Historic Lighthouse is a State Historic Park. The lighthouse sits on a large volcanic rock just off-shore and has guided tours for visitors.
Andrew Molera State Park trails through meadows with wildflowers, beaches and hills. Walk-in Campground with 24 sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Seasonal bridges are installed to cross river from about April to October. (831) 667-2315
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Hiking, Redwoods Forests, Wildlife. Big Sur Lodge with 61 rooms. 204 Campsites (no hook-ups) (800) 444-7275
Pfeiffer Beach a spectacular and famous beach. $5 day use fee. open 9AM to 8PM 1/4 mile south of Big Sur Ranger Station. Turn west on Sycamore Canyon Road and follow to the end. The road is not signed for the beach, is easy to miss and narrow.
Partington Cove a one mile round trip on a steep tree-lined trail to a scenic Rocky Beach
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park panoramic views of the ocean, 80 foot waterfall, redwood forest and two hike-in environmental campsites. (800) 444-7275
Limekiln State Park Redwoods and Coastal Views. 33 campsites (831) 667-2403
Kirk Creek National Forest Campground - on bluff with views of coastline with 37 sites.
Mill Creek - day use area and scenic forest hike
Sand Dollar Beach scenic beach and day use area
Plaskett Creek National Forest Campground - 1 mile south of Sand Dollar Beach. 41 sites
Jade Cove - Rock-hounding, diving for Jade and hang-glider site. day use.
Salmon Creek Falls - 100 foot waterfall. two falls, interesting shape, reliable good flow
Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area historic light house and part of National Landscape Conservation System.
Elephant Seal Rookery
Hearst Castle State Historical Monument

http://patricksmithphotography.com/

This is a great site for photography on the central coast of California. Patrick Smith tells you where the photos came from and how he got them.

Thinking about adding Yosemite to the itinerary. What will the weather and ground cover (snow?) be like in late April? I'm assuming the snow pack is pretty low this year (like Steamboat was until last week) - will the waterfalls be pretty dry as well?

Scott,

If you're thinking of adding Yosemite to your plans, you'll need to figure travel time from the coast to the park. my guess would be about five hours each way. The lower snow pack this year will translate to less water, but the falls will still have character. Also, Yosemite is much more than waterfalls, and if you've never been there, you will still be blown away.

One upside to the reduced snowpack is that Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass) may, and I emphasize 'may', open early. If it does, treat yourself to the high country and a trip over to Mono Lake. Again, no promises, here, but it's something to keep in the back of your mind.

Have a wonderful time!

--P

Scott,

I'm heading there myself for a week in mid April so I've been doing a lot of research. Some good info on locations at Garrapata SP can be found here http://www.rainbowspirit.com/garrapata-state-park.html. I've also found the book Photographing Big Sur by Douglas Steakley to be very good. I purchased the ebook The Photographers Guide to the Big Sur Coast by Don Smith http://webfarm.foliolink.com/3/asset.asp?AssetID=18375&AKey=J5ADJ6V2.

Somewhere I read that views to the north are generally better for sunrise and views to the south are better for sunset. So I'll be keeping that in mind when I'm scouting out locations. I plan on trying a sunrise along the Recreational Trail at the Monterey Wharf area at least one morning.

Thanks everyone for the great resources. My trip is likely happening the second week of May. Any advice on what the wildflowers will look like then?