Valley View Trail & Pfeiffer Falls - Big Sur Redwoods & Waterfall Hike
One of my favorite places in the world to explore is the Big Sur coastline, and this week we’re partnering with the Big Sur Lodge as we hike a beautiful trail located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Today’s journey takes us through a redwood forest to a panoramic overlook and pristine waterfall...join me along the Valley View Trail.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 2.5 miles RT
• Elevation Change: 500 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Valley View Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Location & History
Located along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is situated just 25 miles south of Carmel and 65 miles north of San Luis Obispo. This park was established in 1937 through efforts to preserve the region's majestic redwood groves and diverse ecosystems. The park is named after John Pfeiffer, an early settler who owned the land here and sold 700 acres to the State of California in the 1930s. Nicknamed “Little Yosemite”, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park currently encompasses over 1,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including ancient redwoods, meandering rivers, and rugged coastal cliffs.
Big Sur redwood grove along Valley View Trail
Valley View Trail
One of my favorite hikes inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is the scenic Valley View Trail. This moderate 2.5-mile round trip trek climbs just over 500 feet in elevation and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail offers hikers a beautiful journey through towering redwoods and sweeping vistas of the Big Sur Valley below.
This is a perfect hike for Big Sur Lodge guests (see my full Big Sur Lodge review post here) because the trailhead is located conveniently near the park’s main entrance, as well as the Big Sur Lodge cottages and main lodge building.
If you’re visiting the park just for the day, park at Day Use Lot #1 or #2, and walk along the short River Path and across the Redwood Deck to access the trailhead. For details on this wonderful family friendly hike, I have a full blog post on here.
Valley View Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The trail is well marked, and as you head out among the towering redwoods, the first fork in the trail comes at just under a quarter mile of easy hiking. Here is the official split between the Valley View Trail (crossing the wooden bridge to the left) and the Pfeiffer Falls Trail (climbing up to the right). Currently the trail to Pfeiffer Falls on the right is closed due to trail damage from recent storms, but if you continue along the Valley View Trail to the left you will reach a short spur trail which is open and still leads to the base of Pfeiffer Falls.
After another half mile and 200 feet in elevation gain, you reach the second split in trail. Heading to the left leads up the official Valley View Trail to the overlook, but I recommend taking the short spur trail to the right first to visit Pfeiffer Falls.
Pfeiffer Falls in Los Padres National Forest
Pfeiffer Falls
Heading right at this second trail split you descend the short quarter mile spur trail through a few switchbacks before climbing up a set of wooden staircases to the waterfall. Pfeiffer Falls cascades 60 feet over moss-covered granite cliffs into a tranquil pool below. This Big Sur waterfall is part of Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek, which flows into the Big Sur River, eventually making its way to the ocean. Two wooden benches at the base of Pfeiffer Falls make for a tranquil spot to sit back and enjoy the waterfall view. Multiple information panels can be found along the staircase at the base of this waterfall, which share local history and details. One panel in particular describes that, although you started your journey in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the stairs leading up to the waterfall actually reside in the Los Padres National Forest...the state park boundary is officially located approximately 520 feet back up the trail. Both state and federal organizations work together to protect the natural and cultural resources here.
Vallew View overlook in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Point Sur Lighthouse & State Historic Park seen from Valley View overlook
Valley View Overlook
After enjoying the serene beauty of this waterfall, retrace your steps back 0.25 miles up to the trail junction. Once back to the Valley View Trail, the path climbs up another 0.3 miles and gains 200 feet in elevation. This section of the trail is generally considered the most challenging with uneven rocky steps and patches of poison oak lining a narrowing trail...however the official Valley View overlook is stunning. A single bench marks the final panoramic viewpoint, which gazes out over the Big Sur River Valley with views of Andrew Molera State Park and even the historic Point Sur Lighthouse in the distance.
Young deer along Valley View Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Wildlife
As you hike this trail, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, which is abundant in the park. Bobcats and gray foxes are often seen in this forest, as well as spotted owls, Coopers hawks, and you might even see the endangered California Condor soaring through the air above. On my recent trip here I saw numerous steller's jays, over a dozen deer, and a group of wild turkeys.
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.
Pfeiffer Falls in Los Padres National Forest
Big Sur Products from Our Etsy Shop
Known 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.
• 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
Pfeiffer Falls in Big Sur
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Whether you're hiking the scenic Valley View Trail, marveling at the majestic Pfeiffer Falls, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll among ancient redwoods, the park's natural wonders are sure to leave a lasting impression. For a virtual visit of the Valley View Trail, 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 redwood trees near Pfeiffer Falls
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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.