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Carmel · Monterey · Carmel · Big Sur

Carmel Meadows Trail

Also known asRibera Beach · Wedding Rock
Coast · Bluffs · Trail · Meadow

A short coastal-bluff trail connecting Carmel River State Beach to Monastery Beach, winding through coastal scrub and meadowland with constant ocean views. A favorite stretch for ceremony-plus-portrait sessions that don't want to commit to a single spot.

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You may see a few photos from nearby locations here. Many shoots span multiple spots in the same session.

What it costs
$950 – $1,950
Typical range for a session at Carmel Meadows Trail

Where you land comes down to the session you choose. A shorter weekday session sits at the low end; a weekend session with more time and more edited photos sits at the top. There's no deposit, and you pay after the shoot, not before.

Ready when you are

Carmel Meadows Trail

Pick what you're planning and we'll pull up the right pricing. Not sure yet? Start with a free 10-minute call.

Get engaged here →10-min call →
Elope here →Get married here →Portrait session here →
From the photographer
Chris Schmauch
by Chris Schmauch, owner of GoodEye Photography

A short coastal-bluff trail connecting Carmel River State Beach to Monastery Beach, winding through coastal scrub and meadowland with constant ocean views.

A short coastal-bluff trail connecting Carmel River State Beach to Monastery Beach, winding through coastal scrub and meadowland with constant ocean views. A favorite stretch for ceremony-plus-portrait sessions that don't want to commit to a single spot.

What to expect

The lay of the land

Footwear
Boots or stable flats. Trail surfaces vary — rocky, soft, uneven. Heels are not advisable; bring backup shoes for the hike in if heels are part of the look.
Best Time of Day
Golden hour, the last 60–90 minutes before sunset. Open trails catch low warm light better than enclosed forests. Midday works on overcast days.
Best Season
Spring (March–May) for wildflowers and lush greens; fall for warm tones. Avoid heavy winter rains — trails get slick and views fog in.
Weather
Open exposure means wind and weather affect the session. Light rain is workable; heavy wind can be tough on veils and loose fabric.
Privacy
Generally quiet, especially weekday and off-peak. Hikers passing are infrequent and respectful. Off-trail vantages give us natural separation.
Drive times

Getting here

Carmel-by-the-Sea10 min
Monterey15 min
Big Sur35 min
San Jose1 hr 15 min
San Francisco2 hr
Approximate, off-peak driving.
Worth knowing

A few things about Carmel Meadows Trail

  • Trailhead parking — may require a state-park day-use fee.

  • Dog-friendly in most areas; leash rules vary by season.

  • West-facing — the light runs from low sun straight through blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.

  • Exposed — wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring layers + a hair-tie if it's a coast cliff.

Also known as

Carmel Meadows Trail also appears as Ribera Beach, or Wedding Rock.