First-Timer's Guide to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Hi friends! This week we’re exploring the Big Sur coast, enjoying a spot often referred to as a “mini Yosemite,” so you know I’m a fan! Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a wonderfully diverse spot, providing visitors a wide range of activities, hiking trails, and incredible sights. From towering coastal redwoods to impressive granite gorges, and river front campsites to cozy cabins, this park has it all. So join me below for a comprehensive overview of this must-stop spot along California’s central coast — Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Coastal redwood trees in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Location
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located about 25 miles south of Monterey. This state park is a California gem nestled on the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains along California's iconic Highway 1 just two miles inland of the rugged ocean coastline and Andrew Molera State Park. It provides a wide array hiking trails, lodging options, and wildlife, making it a popular spot during the busy Summer months. It’s important to note, though, that no beach access is found at this state park. Many believe that Pfeiffer Beach is found here...this iconic beach with its sea stacks and Keyhole Arch is actually accessed about a mile south of the state park, and it’s run by the US Forest Service.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park outdoor theater built by the CCC
Homestead Cabin build by John Pfeiffer in the late 1800s
History
John Pfeiffer was an early homesteader living in a cabin along the Big Sur River in the late 1800s. It wasn’t long after he settled here in 1884 that weary travelers began finding rest and refuge on their property along their coastal journeys. John and his wife, Florence, generously hosted guests with lodging and delicious meals for many years until they decided to officially open the Pfeiffer Ranch Resort in 1908. The Big Sur Lodge that guests can enjoy today sits on that very spot, continuing the Pfeiffers’ legacy of warm hospitality and excellent service.
After living here for several decades, the Pfeiffers were approached by a developer from Los Angeles offering $210,000 for the land, which would be equivalent to about 4 million dollars today! With their love and passion for preserving this natural wonder, John and Florence instead decided to sell nearly 700 acres to the state of California, to form this state park that bears their name today.
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 CCC-constructed features are still visible today, including the Weyland Bridge, Outdoor Theater, Nature Center, informative plaques, picnic tables, and day use campsites.
Pfeiffer Falls in Los Padres National Forest
Ewoldsen Memorial Nature enter in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur River Gorge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Hiking & Points of Interest
Colonial Tree: The Colonial Tree is the largest tree in the park at 277 feet tall and 31 feet in diameter. It’s estimated this old-growth redwood is over 1200 years old. No hiking is necessary to view this giant...it’s found right off the parking area near the softball diamond.
Homestead Cabin: This is the original cabin home built by John Pfeiffer in the late 1800s and is one of the oldest structures still standing today in this region. You can find it here along the hike to the Big Sur River Gorge from Day Use Lot #4 (via Pfeiffer Big Sur Road) before crossing over the Big Sur River.
Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center: The Nature Center is located here along Warden’s Path on the south side of the Big Sur River. This is a wonderful spot to learn about the local flora and fauna...in fact, you can even experience what it's like to "Fly like a Condor" with the digital condor flight station, which was designed with actual Big Sur California condor flight patterns.
Valley View & Pfeiffer Falls Trails: One of the most popular day hikes inside the park is Valley View and Pfeiffer Falls Trail at 2 miles & 500 feet in elevation gain. The hike to Valley View Overlook rewards you with a tremendous view of the Big Sur River Valley, Point Sur, and Andrew Molera State Park. The trail to Pfeiffer Falls is currently closed due to trail damage, but you can take a spur trail along the Valley View Trail by taking the right fork for a view of the 60 foot Pfeiffer Falls waterfall (which is actually located in Los Padres National Forest). For more info on this hike, check out my full Valley View & Pfeiffer Falls blog post.
Nature Trail & River Path Loop: One of the easiest and most family-friendly hikes inside inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is the Nature Trail & River Path Loop. At under a mile round trip you can enjoy wooden boardwalks weaving through some of the most impressive towering coastal redwood here, as well as a gentle stroll along the Big Sur River. For more info on this easy hike, check out my full Nature Trail & River Path Loop blog post.
Big Sur River Gorge: A short 1/2 mile paved trail leads to the Big Sur River Gorge, a beautiful area with large granite features. More Adventurous hikers can continue on wading in the river and climbing along boulders here.
Mt. Manuel Trail & Pine Ridge Trail: A more challenging hike here includes the Mt. Manuel Trail. At 8 miles round trip, this is a strenuous route, but it’s nothing compared to Pine Ridge Trail, which covers 23 miles one way through the Ventana Wilderness.
Buzzard’s Roost Trail: Buzzard’s Roost is another popular day hike at 3 miles round trip with just about 800 feet in elevation gain. This hike will get your heart pumping...the loop trail follows the Big Sur River and then climbs through shady redwoods to an exposed sunny ridge with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Sycamore Canyon, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. If you’re heading out on this hike, I recommend starting across the river from the Redwood Deck and hiking counter clockwise to enjoy the views.
Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Homestead Restaurant in Big Sur Lodge
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 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.
Found inside the main Big Sur Lodge building, the Homestead Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their skilled culinary team carefully selects local organic ingredients and prioritizes sustainable agricultural practices to craft innovative and fresh cuisine for its patrons. You can enjoy the delectable dishes inside the dining room which features large windows with majestic redwood views, or savor your meal out on the patio among the tranquil forest, twinkling lights, and the babbling Big Sur River.
For more info on the Big Sur Lodge and Homestead Restaurant, check out my full Big Sur Lodge Property Review.
Colonial Tree in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Valley View Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Camping
Camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is like stepping into a natural wonderland where every detail feels thoughtfully designed for outdoor lovers. The park boasts 189 campsites, with options ranging from traditional tent sites to spots for RVs and even walk-in sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Many of these sites are shaded by towering redwoods, offering a cool, peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For larger groups or those looking for a bit more comfort, there are several group sites and even some with riverfront access. But be warned—this popular park fills up quickly, especially during the busy summer season. Reservations are a must, often requiring bookings months in advance. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a weekend warrior, Pfeiffer Big Sur’s campground provides the perfect base for exploring the dramatic beauty of California's coast.
Wild Turkeys seen near Big Sur Lodge cottages
Black tailed deer along Valley View Trail in Big Sur
Wildlife
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to encounter a rich variety of creatures in their natural habitat. The park is home to the elusive bobcat, which prowls silently through the underbrush, and the graceful black-tail deer, often seen grazing in the early morning light. Gray squirrels are a common sight, their bushy tails flicking as they scurry up the towering redwoods, while raccoons and skunks add a touch of nocturnal mystery to the landscape. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting the nimble dippers along the riverbanks, the striking belted kingfisher darting over the water, and, if you're lucky, a flock of wild turkeys strutting through the forest. Each creature contributes to the vibrant ecosystem that makes Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a true sanctuary for wildlife and a dream destination for nature lovers.
Big Sur River crossing in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
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.
• 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.
• 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
Nature Trail boardwalk and towering Big Sur redwoods
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week along the Big Sur coast. For a virtual visit of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Valley View overlook in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
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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.