Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
California
66

California State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
California
Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park McWay Falls © Julieta Belmont
Amazing view of the McWay Falls at Pfeiffer Big Sur
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park © Gary OToole
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
47225 Highway 1
Big Sur, California   93920

Phone: 831-667-2315
Reservations: 800-444-7275
This beautiful park features redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows - plus open meadows. Wildlife includes black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as water ouzels and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy the many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Some campsites are along the Big Sur River. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park .The lodge has 61 guest rooms, a conference center, cafe, and a grocery store. Meeting rooms have space for groups of 10 to 125. Other rooms are available for smaller meetings and workshops, some with fireplaces and kitchens.
History of the Area
Established in 1933, the park is located on land once owned by John Pfeiffer. It spans over 1,000 acres of California's Big Sur coast.

Pfeiffer inherited this property from his parents who were among the first European settlers in Big Sur. He rejected lucrative offers to sell it for development and instead sold it cheaply to the state government with a condition that they preserve its natural beauty.

The Civilian Conservation Corps developed trails and facilities during Great Depression years under President Roosevelt's New Deal program.

In later years, campgrounds were added along with visitor centers providing information about local flora and fauna as well as history of indigenous tribes like Esselen people.

Over time, wildfires have periodically affected parts but restoration efforts continue ensuring preservation of redwood groves which are iconic features here alongside wildlife species such as bobcats or black-tailed deer.

Today visitors enjoy hiking through diverse landscapes including coastal cliffs while also participating in ranger-led programs aimed at environmental education.
Camping
- Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground: Offers 189 RV and tent sites with picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, showers.

- Group Camping Sites: These are available for larger parties.

- Hike & Bike camping area: For cyclists or hikers only.

- Riverside Campsites: Located along the banks of the Big Sur River.

Note that all campsites require advance reservations.


Location
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located near Carmel, Salinas

Trails
- Buzzard's Roost Trail: A 4.8-mile round trip trail that offers panoramic views of the Big Sur River Valley, Pfeiffer Ridge and Ventana Wilderness.

- Nature Trail: An easy half mile loop through redwood groves with interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.

- Liewald Flats Loop: This is a short .75 miles nature walk suitable for families or those looking to enjoy an easier hike within the park grounds.

- Mount Manuel Trail: At approximately eight miles long, this strenuous uphill trek leads hikers up over 3,000 feet in elevation gain offering stunning coastal vistas at its peak.

-Pine Ridge Trial : It's one of longest trails stretching out to around 23-miles into backcountry wilderness; it starts from Big Sur Station leading towards Sykes Hot Springs

-River Pathway : Short but scenic pathway along banks of river which stretches just under a mile (0.6) providing access points for swimming during summer months.

-Oak Grove Trail Loop - Approximately three-quarter-mile-long trail featuring oak woodland habitat as well as seasonal wildflowers blooming on hillsides

-Vincente Flat Campground - The first part (~2miles) takes you across several creeks then ascends steeply until reaching Hare Creek where campground lies after another ~1mile

-Gorge Swimming Hole - Not exactly hiking trial but rather destination point reachable via relatively flat path starting near entrance station

-Molera Horseback Tours Trails- These are private horse riding trials covering various distances depending upon chosen tour package ranging between two hours upto full day rides

-Big Dome Climbing Route - Although not traditional walking/hiking route yet popular among rock climbers who can reach top by following marked climbing routes

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Big Sur Campground
47000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA
831-667-2322
Fernwood Resort LLC
47200 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA
831-667-2422
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is located 26 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.

state route ranger badge
California
66

California State Parks

X