A picturesque river valley, sometimes referred to as ‘Mini Yosemite’ lies along California’s Central Coast only 32 miles south of Monterey. This scenic area lies along the western edge of the Santa Lucia Mountains above the Big Sur River Gorge.
This serene area, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, features miles of nature trails, a large campground, picnic areas, a Nature Center, and the welcoming Big Sur Lodge. This popular state park attracts many visitors searching for adventure and relaxation and opportunities to hike, camp, birdwatch, picnic, and more.
Activities
Spend a few days and nights away from the busy city with a peaceful visit to this California state park. Pack your overnight gear and stay in the Big Sur Lodge or in one of the park’s many campsites. Then spend your day exploring the nature trails, birdwatching, resting, or stop in and check out the Ewoldsen Nature Center. This nature center, open Fridays through Sundays, features life-sized murals, displays, and exhibits that showcase the area’s flora and fauna.
If you’re concerned about those hot summer days, don’t be. While there may not be beach access inside the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a popular beach area, Pfeiffer Beach, is located about one mile south, just off of Highway 1.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park:
Hiking at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s scenic nature trails range from ½ mile to 23 miles one way and pass through redwoods, oaks, and the Big Sur River Valley. Another 200 miles may be accessed nearby in the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest.
Here are a few of the trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park:
- Buzzard’s Roost Trail – A moderate 3 mile trail that follows along the Big Sur River, through the majestic redwoods, and up to an overlook of the ocean and Sycamore Canyon.
- Valley View Trail – Moderate to difficult 2 mile loop through the woodlands and up to the Valley View Overlook and spectacular views of Big Sur River Valley and nearby Andrew Molera State Park. This trail also offers breathtaking views of Pfeiffer Falls.
- Mt. Manuel Trail – A difficult 8 mile loop through U.S. Forest Service Land up the mountain side.
- Pine Ridge Trail – This difficult 23 mile trail begins near the campground, extends past the Big Sur River Gorge and Sykes Hot Springs, and continues through U.S. Forest Service Land until it reaches China Camp.
Birding at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
This area is a favorite with bird enthusiasts and as many as 400 species have been sighted throughout the region.
Grab your binoculars and a bird list before heading out on the trails. You may be rewarded with a glimpse of a Cooper’s Hawk, Spotted Owl, Steller’s Jay, Purple Martin, California Condor, Brown Pelican, Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Merganser, Acorn Woodpecker, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-crowned Night-Heron, White-faced Ibis, or a Peregrine Falcon.
Nature and Wildlife at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The nature trails that wind along the river and through redwoods, oaks, maples, and cottonwoods offer guests spectacular views of native wildlife that exists within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Here you may see Black-tailed Deer, Gray Squirrels, raccoons, skunks, Gray Foxes, and bobcats. The endangered Steelhead Trout may be observed while walking along the riverside.
Pets
Pets are only allowed within the campground, parking and picnic areas, and on Warden’s Path and River Path trails inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Dogs must be supervised and kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet.
Camping
For guests interested in spending a few nights inside the park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park features a campground and the Big Sur Lodge. The Big Sur Lodge has 61 comfortable guest rooms, a cafe, gift shop, grocery store, and a conference center.
The campground area has 189 riverside campsites for tents or RVs, 2 group tent campsites, 1 rustic camping cabin, and primitive hike-in or bike-in campsites. The cabin sleeps up to 6 guests (one full bed, a twin bunk, and floor space for an inflatable mattress) and also has an adjoining campsite with space for an additional 6 guests. The cabin does not have a bathroom, heat, electricity, or water.
Each campsite (and cabin) has a picnic table and fire ring and access to drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Keep in mind that reservations tend to fill up very quickly for this popular campground, often 6 months in advance.
Park Location
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd
Big Sur, CA 93920
Phone: 831.667.1112
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing the campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park:
