This Easy Northern California Hiking Trail Delivers Big Views for a Romantic Valentine’s Day

The idea of romance conjures images of candlelit dinners, the Eiffel Tower's sparkling lights, and even — if TV ads are to be believed — a trail of roses leading to a bubble bath. And look, I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum. Just because I'd stress about petals clogging the drain doesn't mean you should. Still, if you're fortunate enough to be celebrating Valentine's Day in the Monterey area, you'll get what I mean when I say we should include our favorite landscapes in our romantic daydreams.

If you're game to trade champagne flutes for hiking boots this February, you're in luck — Northern California is a gold mine of dreamy destinations. That said, I don't think many places could compete with the grandeur of Garrapata State Park — especially the Soberanes Canyon Trail.

Tucked beside California's Cabrillo Highway, a scenic route that winds along some of the state's most breathtaking stretches of coast, Garrapata State Park is often overlooked by drivers headed from Monterey to Big Sur. Those in the know reap the rewards of this oversight. When I first visited Garrapata, I was struck by how peaceful it felt. If you and your special someone seek solitude, aim to tackle the Soberanes Canyon Trail during the week — you may just have the place to yourselves.

And tackle is the keyword here. I'm a strong hiker, but the sharp elevation gain — compressed into a small section of the route — was challenging enough to induce the five stages of grief. By the time I reached the top, I'd cycled through denial ("This has to be the last stretch."), anger ("Who picked this trail again?"), bargaining ("When I get to that rock, I'll eat a Skittle."), depression ("I'm out of Skittles."), and acceptance ("Just one step at a time.")

It goes without saying, then, that Soberanes Canyon is best suited for long-term couples or those who are confident that, even beet-faced and sweaty, their partner will still find them adorable. Efficient daters could wield Soberanes to get the measure of someone's mettle.

If nothing else, know I mean it when I say that, for all the emotion, the views from the top of the bluff are more than enough reward for your struggle.

Part of what makes this hike special is how it compresses so many unique biomes into six miles of trail. Start your trek surrounded by redwoods, a towering mini-forest fed by Soberanes Creek, itself a ribbon of water you'll cross once or twice on its journey to the nearby Pacific. As you climb the canyon wall, the landscape shifts to one populated by cacti, dry shrubs, and rugged stone. Then, when you've crested the bluff, the scenery changes yet again. A shallow depression collects water, sometimes holding it deep into summer. This moisture nurtures a lush meadow often decorated with bright wildflowers.

If you can, I recommend bringing something refreshing to enjoy at one of the trail's jaw-dropping panoramas. You'll be grateful for something besides water, and views like this are worth celebrating. February expeditions can occasionally be misty, but Garrapata State Park remains utterly dreamy even veiled in fog. Whether you can see into the distance for miles or appear to be floating above the clouds, it's a privilege to stand on the roof of our epic coastline.

I'll say it: Add Garrapata State Park to the list with the Eiffel Tower. If you've got the mettle for a real adventure this Valentine's Day, I couldn't recommend this one-of-a-kind spot more highly. Not to mention, you can celebrate your accomplishment at one of the many world-famous eateries in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, located just 15 minutes away. And if you're looking for more ways to sweeten your Valentine's Day, be sure to check out our itinerary planner for recommendations of what to do, see, and eat in the area!