Grimes Spring Big Sur

## Overview Grimes Spring is a well-known natural spring located along the iconic Big Sur coastline in Monterey County, California. Tucked into the hillside just off Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway), this roadside spring has long served as a convenient freshwater source for locals, road-trippers, and hikers exploring one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the world. The spring flows through a pipe outlet set into the hillside, making it easy to fill water containers directly from the source. Many visitors and Big Sur residents have reported using this spring as a regular drinking water source over the years, with no reported hygiene or contamination issues. That said, as with any natural, untreated water source, the water has not been officially tested or certified as potable. The spring sits near Grimes Point, a scenic overlook area along the Big Sur coast, and is a familiar stop for those who know the route well. Its proximity to the highway makes it one of the more accessible natural springs in the Big Sur region — a welcome find in an area where services and fresh water can be sparse. ## Directions 1. **From the north (heading south on Highway 1 / Cabrillo Highway):** Drive south past the Coast Big Sur Cafe. Continue through Grimes Canyon. A few hundred meters past the canyon, look for the spring pipe outlet on the **right side** of the road. There is a small pullout area where you can park. 2. **From the south (heading north on Highway 1):** As you approach the Grimes Point area, you will pass a parking lot on your **left**. Continue driving a short distance north — the spring will appear on your **left** side, with a pipe outlet visible from the road. **GPS Coordinates:** 36.208645, -121.736234 **Nearby Address Reference:** 49654–49938 Cabrillo Hwy, Big Sur, CA 93920 **Nearby Landmarks:** Grimes Point Scenic Overlook, Coast Big Sur Cafe Note: The spring is just a short walk from the road — park safely on the shoulder or pullout and walk a few meters to the pipe. ## What to Expect Grimes Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside spring. Water flows from a pipe set into the hillside, and the stream pressure can vary depending on seasonal rainfall and overall water availability. During wetter months, expect a stronger, steadier flow; in late summer or drought conditions, the flow may slow considerably. The area around the spring can be dusty, especially during dry weather and when traffic kicks up debris from the highway shoulder. Bring your own water containers — there are no cups, taps, or other amenities at the site. There is no formal parking lot directly at the spring, but the highway shoulder and nearby pullouts provide enough space to stop safely. Be cautious of traffic on Highway 1, particularly during busy tourist seasons. The surrounding scenery is classic Big Sur — rugged coastal hills, ocean views, and the dramatic landscape that makes this stretch of California famous. The nearby Grimes Point Scenic Overlook is worth a stop while you're in the area.