Ghost Trees is Pebble Beach's secret big wave—a right-hand slab named for the white, ghostly Monterey Cypress trees that frame the break. The Carmel Canyon focuses swells to produce waves in the 40-60 foot range on rare winter days. The spot is controversial: jet-ski bans limit access, and the exclusive Pebble Beach community has mixed feelings about the surfers. When conditions align, Ghost Trees produces some of California's most photogenic big wave barrels.
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Restricted (jet ski ban)
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions