Nature Trail & River Path Loop - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Hi friends! I’m so excited to continue my partnership with the Big Sur Lodge this week as we discover a wonderful family friendly hike just off Highway-1. Join me in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a gentle stroll among giant coastal redwood trees just steps from the main Lodge. Welcome to the Nature Trail & River Path Loop!
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 1 mile Loop
• Elevation Change: 25 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Redwood trees along the Nature Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Location
Located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park about 30 miles south of Monterey, this easy hike can be accessed in multiple locations. If you’re a guest with the Big Sur Lodge, you can start at the Redwood Deck found right next to the Lodge General Store and Homestead Restaurant. If you’re camping at the park or visiting just for the day, you can jump on the loop trail at Day Use Lots 1 or 2.
Big Sur River along the River Path in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a California gem nestled along the iconic Highway 1 just two miles inland of the rugged ocean coastline. In fact, it’s even been referred to as a “Mini Yosemite,” so as you can imagine, I’m a huge fan of this park. The park features a large campground along the Big Sur River, accommodating hikers, bikers, car campers, and RVers, and it offers diverse wildlife sightings including bobcats, deer, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds.
John Pfeiffer was an early homesteader living in a cabin along the Big Sur River, and in 1933 Pfeiffer sold 680 acres of his land to the California State Parks System, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park was named in his family’s honor. The Great Depression was in full force in the early 1930s, and the Civilian Conservation Corps came and built campgrounds, buildings, fences, and trails for this park. Some of the CCC’s constructed features still visible here include the Weyland Bridge, the Outdoor Theater, Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center, picnic tables and day use campsites.
Redwood Deck near Big Sur Lodge
The Hike
The family friendly hike we’re embarking on today combines two trails, the River Path and Nature Trail, forming a 1-mile loop with minimal elevation change. Since I’m staying at the Big Sur Lodge, today we’re starting off from the Lodge parking area.
Proboscis Tree along the Redwood Deck in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Redwood Deck
The first features you reach past the trailhead are on the Redwood Deck, which is home to an impressive cluster of coastal redwoods. The trees in this grove are estimated to be between 500 and 800 years old. The short boardwalk weaves through this grove and circles around one of the largest redwood trees in the park called the Proboscis Tree, which is due to the nose-like feature growing out of its trunk.
Amphitheater built by the CCC in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Crossing the Big Sur River to reach the Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center
Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
River Path
Just past the Redwood Deck you’ll find the trail junction for the Nature Trail and River Path. Today we’re heading right and hiking the loop counterclockwise. The River Path parallels the Big Sur River, taking you through a lovely wooded scene with informative panels, as well as by a park amphitheater built by the CCC. There are a couple opportunities to venture down to the water’s edge and explore, one of which has concrete steps to assist hikers in crossing to the other side. If you have the time for a short excursion, I’d highly recommend crossing the river here to visit the Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center, where you can learn about the flora and fauna of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the surrounding region. Adults and children alike can experience what it's like to "Fly like a Condor" at the digital condor flight station, as well as chat with the park rangers and volunteers.
Coastal redwoods along the Nature Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Nature Trail
Once you reach the picnic and parking areas at the far end of the River Path, you can find the trailhead for the Nature Trail across the road. This part of the hike weaves you through a serene forested area with maple, cottonwood, and majestic oak trees before returning to the towering redwoods towards the end of the loop. Prior to crossing the road back to the Redwood Deck, you’ll be treated with several large clusters of coastal redwoods that are close enough to touch without stepping off the trail.
Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur Lodge
Conveniently located right off Highway-1 in the heart of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur Lodge is a fantastic place to stay on any road trip up the central coast year round. With the beautiful cottage-style cabins, on-site dining, and direct property access to towering redwoods, it’s no wonder this spot has been welcoming Big Sur guests for well over a century.
For more information on the Big Sur Lodge, check out my full hotel & property review here, which includes details on the Homestead Restaurant and the Queen Suite with Kitchen & Fireplace.
Nature Trail & River Path Loop trailhead near Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur Products from Our Etsy Shop
Know Before You Go
• Please join me in following the Leave No Trace Principles. If we leave this place better than we found it, we will be rewarded with years of natural wonder. If you’re unfamiliar with The Big Sur Pledge, I encourage you to familiarize yourself prior to heading out to this beautiful area.
• Anytime you plan a road trip to this section of the central coast, always check the latest Big Sur road conditions before traveling. Rockslides are common here, causing complete road closures along Highway 1. As of the publishing of this article, Highway 1 is closed south of Lucia, so Big Sur Lodge and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, along with several other popular Big Sur attractions like Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls can only be accessed by driving down from the North (Monterey and Carmel area).
• Cell service in this area (and in much of Big Sur) is touch-and-go, so prepare and plan ahead before you visit. Bringing a GPS device or equipping your smarthphone with a GPS app with pre-downloaded maps is always a good idea when exploring in Big Sur. I use the Gaia app on my iPhone, and it works great.
• Guests who book directly with the Big Sur Lodge receive complimentary access to 3 local California State Parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
• For non-Lodge guests, there is a $10 day use fee per vehicle to drive into Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is open from 8am to sunset for day use visitors.
• Dogs are allowed on the River Path, but not on the Nature Trail.
• Make sure to check the official Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park website for the most up-to-date trail closures and information.
Top 10 Things to Do in Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Andrew Molera State Park
Informative signs along the River Path in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. For a virtual visit of the Nature Trail & River Path Loop, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. I’d also like to especially thank the sponsor of this post, Big Sur Lodge...please consider booking a stay with them on your next Big Sur adventure, which you can do online at BigSurLodge.com or by calling (855) 238-6950. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Big Sur shirt sold on our Etsy Shop
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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This week we're taking a road trip along the California Central Coast to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, nicknamed "mini Yosemite". With its hiking trails, towering coastal redwood trees, abundant wildlife, and lodging options (including camping and Big Sur Lodge cabins), this CA state park along Highway 1 is one of the top places to go in Big Sur. Read this travel guide for all the park details.