description Jade Cove Overview
Jade Cove is a beach near Gorda on California's Big Sur coast, within the Los Padres National Forest. It is notable for the presence of nephrite jade that can be found along the shoreline. Collecting jade from the beach is permitted under forest service regulations. The cove requires a steep descent via an informal trail and is known for cold water and strong currents.
help Jade Cove FAQ
Can you legally take jade from Jade Cove?
Yes, Jade Cove is notable as the only known coastal site in the world where you can legally collect nephrite jade directly from the shore. However, the Los Padres National Forest has strict rules: hand tools are prohibited, and you cannot take more than you can carry in one hand per day.
Where is Jade Cove located in California?
Jade Cove is a remote beach located near the small settlement of Gorda on California's Big Sur coast in Monterey County. It is situated right along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).
Why is there so much jade at Jade Cove?
The unique geology of the Big Sur coast features offshore jade deposits that are constantly loosened by the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean. Over thousands of years, the waves have washed these heavy nephrite stones onto the beach.
How do you get down to Jade Cove beach?
To get down to Jade Cove, visitors must hike down a steep, unofficial dirt trail from the highway pullouts along Highway 1. The descent can be treacherous and requires proper hiking shoes to navigate the loose dirt and rocky shoreline.
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