Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers waterfalls, redwood groves, Big Sur hiking trails through oaks, conifers, sycamores, willows and many other trees, open meadows, and wildlife galore. It also holds some of the most popular Big Sur campsites. With its natural diversity, glorious landscapes and peaceful ambience, visitors have called Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a "mini Yosemite." It's no wonder Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of Big Sur's greatest attractions.

Restoration of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is ongoing, and not all features may be open. Check the California State Parks web page on Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park before visiting to confirm current conditions.

Don't confuse this park with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is twelve miles south.

Day Use

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers miles of Big Sur hiking trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Stop for lunch at a picnic area, or at the Big Sur Lodge Restaurant located within the park. The Big Sur River, which runs through the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, is a pleasant place for swimming. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park also has many nature programs; check to see if there are any guided hikes or other events scheduled.

Pfeiffer Big Sur Camping

Bring your tent and become one with nature during a Big Sur retreat at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Campsites lie along the beautiful Big Sur River and provide easy access to Big Sur hiking trails. Find both RV campsites and tent campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's campgrounds. All sites offer access to showers and bathrooms, and there is a convenience store nearby to serve all your needs.

The Pfeiffer Big Sur camping area is always popular, so be sure to make arrangements in advance. Camping reservations for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park can be made online via Reserve America.

Big Sur Lodge

For those who prefer an indoor Big Sur lodging experience, Big Sur Lodge  is located within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Looking for a Big Sur cabin to stay in? The Big Sur Lodge's rustic cottages are a perfect environment within which to have an overnight park experience.

Meals at the Big Sur Lodge Restaurant are a great way to fuel up before a hike or recharge after a long day of exploring Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Forget some important supplies at home? Find them at the Big Sur Lodge General Store.

Hiking

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has hiking trails that vary drastically in difficulty and environment, from short, almost flat walks through shady redwood groves to strenuous sun-drenched hikes with over three thousand miles of elevation gain.

See the California State Parks online hiking trail map for more information. See hike number nine on our list of Top Ten Day Hikes in Monterey County for a detailed description of the Buzzard's Roost Trail loop, as well as information on which hiking trails are open during Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's ongoing restoration.

Check out the blog for information about the Pfeiffer Falls Trail.

Map and Directions

Follow Route 1 south from Carmel for 26 miles to reach Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

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