Sunset Cliffs Caves
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| Best season: | summer
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32.7254, -117.2578
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
Sunset Cliffs is an ocean sandstone cliff near Point Loma (San Diego). Most people stroll on the cliffs but a few venture down to the beach and into the sea caves. The caves are spread out along the coast and you may not be able to visit them all in one shot.
Because of the strong waves, the caves are best visited at "low" (0ft) or "super low tide" (-3ft). Even at low tide you may be forced to swim in some spots, so a wetsuit is recommended. Ocean here is rougher than other spots such as La Jolla, so it is imperative to check the forecast and avoid the area unless the sea is calm. Some resources to check tides and surf:
- http://magicseaweed.com/Sunset-Blvd-Surf-Report/3673/
- http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Sunset-Cliffs
- http://www.surfline.com/surf-report/sunset-cliffs-southern-california_4254/
Approach[edit]
There are a few spots that provide beach access, but not many. Pick your access based on the route you want to follow. Time your visit according to the tide forecast and keep in mind that although you might dry walk in at low tide, you may have to swim it out later when you come back.
Descent[edit]
An excellent route is to explore the caves from the Big Blowhole (which could hypothetically be rappeled into) all the way to Smuggler's Cave. At 0ft tide you can walk/swim along the coast without fins and explore all the caves in relative safety.
NOTE: There is no sign against rappelling into the blowhole. The only posted sign on the fence says "DANGER" (and not "DO NOT ENTER")... but if you rappel it I recommend to keep the group small and do it quickly without raising too much attention on passersby. Anchoring from a low post on the ocean side, facing away from the street, backing it up with "meat" would be the best option. Best to leave someone at the top to retrieve rope and vertical gear, so not to have to carry it out into the ocean.
Exit[edit]
Again, pick your exit accordingly to your plans. You can do through trips or in-and-out combinations.
Red tape[edit]
Please do not damage or deface the caves so future generations can keep enjoying them as they are. Sea Caves are dangerous in high swell, enter at your own risk.
If you want to get into serious cave exploring, join some SoCal experienced underground exploring group such as the SoCal Grotto or the San Diego Grotto.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
Location and exploration of the Sunset Sea caves was pioneered by Scott Schmitz, when he was a student attending the Nazarene College (located right at the top of the cliffs).