"Gateway to Pacific" Location: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur, California. Google Maps Link The naturally formed passage in the rock opens to the Pacific ocean on the other side. The interesting hues in the rock come from different minerals that possibly came together in ancient volcanic activity. At sunset the passage has a golden glow from the sun that is setting over the Pacific ocean. Occasionally, waves pass through and create splash with the rocks on the beach. Tech Info and Tip: Lens: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L @ 45mm Camera: Canon 30D Exposure: 1/4sec at f/9.0 and ISO 500 Filters: SinghRay 2 Stop Hard Edge Graduated ND filter The sand is constantly shifting based on tides and it is difficult to predict if the rocks in the foreground will be exposed or buried in the sand. In addition, the low light conditions at sunset create best lighting conditions to bring out all the natural hues in the rock face.