Enjoy it while visiting Big Sur in California
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Pfeiffer Beach, is situated near the Los Padres National Forest. It spans 1,600 acres on the western side of the St. Lucia Mountains. Similar to other state parks in the area, it showcases magnificent redwood groves, expansive meadows, and stunning waterfalls. However, what makes this park unique is its location. Unlike Andrew Molera State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Garrapata, which offer coastal hikes, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is more inland and doesn’t provide as many ocean views. Nevertheless, hikers exploring the park’s trails will encounter the Big Sur River, which flows through the entire park, serving as a prominent natural feature.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a variety of trails to explore, covering a total of 8 miles. One of the most popular trails is the Pfeiffer Falls hike, which spans 1.4 miles. This trail is renowned for its stunning redwood groves and features a magnificent 60-foot waterfall. If you plan on hiking this trail, it’s worth considering an additional half-mile detour on the Valley View Trail. This pathway branches off from the Pfeiffer Falls trail and takes you to a lookout point in the heart of the Big Sur Valley. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views that stretch all the way to the historic Point Sur Lighthouse.