Currently, the Soberanes Canyon Trail is the only trail open to habitats east of Highway 1. Access is through the main, gated trailhead on the east side of Highway 1, across from Gate 8 of the Garrapata Coastal Trail. Visitors are able to hike to the back of the canyon along the 1.25 mile length of the trail. [It used to be possible to do a loop uphill and then north to the Rocky Ridge trail and return, the the Rocky Ridge trail is currently closed due to hazardous conditions after fires and storm damage. This loop may be restored in the future; check the State Park link above for current conditions).

Soberanes Canyon trail follows Soberanes Creek upslope through chaparral habitat (sometimes dominated by non-native cactus plantings), and along the willow-lined riparian that edge the creek. The trail eventually reaches several Redwood groves.

The weather can be changeable. It is often foggy in the morning, become sunny as the fog burns off, and can be quite hot inland in summer. Layered clothing is advised. Garrapata is quite popular with hikers, and with just one trail currently open, it can feel crowded on weekends and holidays in good weather. In the spring, Soberanes Creek may be running high, and there are informal creek crossings that may limit the ability to cross the creek to older, infirm, or cautious hikers. These river crossings become mush easier by spring and fall.

Garrapata State Park is located on Highway 1, some 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel, and 18 miles north of Big Sur town. Garrapata SP covers 2,939 acres, the vast majority of which is rugged inland hills, east of Highway 1, with hiking trails in chaparral, willow-lined creeks, and stands of Coast Redwood. Garrapata SP also includes miles of coastline, with creek mouths and offshore islets, that are west of Highway 1. There are two Hotspots for the coast, west of Highway 1, and this Hotspot for the interior, east of Highway 1.

There are restrooms (pit toilets) just uphill from the gated entrance on the east side of the parking area on Highway 1.  On holidays and weekends, finding parking near the entrance can be difficult unless you arrive early or late.