Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Trails, Redwoods & Camping Guide

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the most beloved destinations along the Big Sur coastline — a peaceful valley filled with towering redwoods, the Big Sur River, and some of the best camping in California. It’s the perfect base for exploring Big Sur, with easy access to Highway 1, nearby beaches, and the famous Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park just ten miles south.

We camped here for several days and used it as our home base for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the coast. The atmosphere is magical: quiet mornings under the redwoods, Steller’s jays calling from the branches, and the river flowing through the heart of the park.

Quick Facts

• Location: Big Sur, California
• Best Time: Spring & fall for mild weather
• Campground: 189 sites among redwoods
• Elevation: 100–1,000 ft
• Dogs: Allowed in campground & paved areas only
• Famous For: Redwoods, river gorge, camping, Pfeiffer Falls Trail

Why Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

This park is often called the “Yosemite of the Coast” — not because of granite cliffs, but because of its lush redwood groves, cool river canyons, and peaceful forest trails. It’s quieter than the coastal viewpoints and offers a deep sense of immersion in nature.

Highlights include:

• Old‑growth redwoods up to 1,200 years old
• The Big Sur River Gorge, perfect for a refreshing summer dip
• Pfeiffer Falls, a 60‑foot/18 m waterfall reached by a scenic forest trail
• Buzzard’s Roost, a rewarding loop with coastal views
• One of the best campgrounds in Big Sur

Weather & Climate

Pfeiffer Big Sur has a cool coastal climate year‑round.

• Average temperatures: 50–65°F (10–18°C)
• Rainy season: October–April (up to 50 inches / 1270 mm)
• Fog: Common from May–October, often lingering until late morning
• Summer: Warm inland, cool and foggy near the coast

Fog is essential here — it provides moisture for the redwoods during the dry summer months.

Camping in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Camping here is a highlight of any Big Sur trip. The campground sits directly under massive redwoods and along the Big Sur River.

Campground Details

• 189 tent & RV sites
• Price: $35–50 per night (includes $10 park fee)
• Facilities: Hot showers ($1), laundry, flush toilets
• Group sites: Available mid‑June to September (up to 35 people)
• Reservations: Required 3–6 months in advance (summer sells out instantly)  campground reservation

The campsites are spacious, private, and beautifully shaded. Steller’s jays, woodpeckers, and raccoons are common visitors — keep food secured.

Nearby Accommodation

If the campground is full, three excellent alternatives are:

• Riverside Campground & Cabins – Cozy cottages under redwoods, some with kitchenettes
• Fernwood Resort - Clean rooms, comfy beds, beautiful location, nice restaurant
• Big Sur Lodge – Located inside the park with fireplaces, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool

All three are ideal for hikers who want comfort without leaving the forest.

Hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur is not known for long day hikes, but it offers several rewarding short and moderate trails through redwoods and up to scenic viewpoints.

Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View Trail

Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round‑trip Duration: 1.5–2 hours Difficulty: Moderate

This is the park’s signature hike. The trail winds through old‑growth redwoods before climbing gently toward oak woodlands and the 60‑foot Pfeiffer Falls. Continue to Valley View for a sweeping overlook of the Big Sur River Valley.

Perfect for families and anyone staying at the campground.

Buzzard’s Roost Loop

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) Duration: 2–3 hours Difficulty: Moderate–strenuous

A rugged loop that climbs through redwoods and chaparral to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Best on clear days.

Big Sur River Gorge

Distance: 0.5 miles accessible Duration: 20–30 minutes Difficulty: Easy–moderate (rock scrambling)

The gorge was heavily damaged by storms and is only accessible for the first half‑mile. Still, it’s a beautiful walk, and in summer you can cool off in the rock pools (water temps around 60°F / 15°C).

Redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur

The park protects some of the oldest and tallest redwoods in Big Sur.

• Age: 800–1,200 years
• Largest tree: The Colonial Tree (31 ft circumference)
• Location: Proboscis Grove near Big Sur Lodge

Redwoods survive storms, fires, and drought thanks to:

• Thick bark (up to 12 inches / 30 cm)
• Shallow but wide root systems
• High tannin content that resists insects and rot
• Fog drip, which can add up to 10 inches of moisture in summer

Only 4% of the original redwood range remains today, confined to a narrow coastal strip from Central California to Southern Oregon.

Wildlife and Birds

Early mornings are the best time to spot wildlife and birds. You may see:

• Grey foxes
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Deer
• Steller’s jays
• Woodpeckers

Poison Oak Warning

Poison oak grows throughout the park, often as ground cover. Its oily resin causes severe itching for days. If exposed, wash immediately and apply cortisone cream.

Safety & Trail Conditions

Big Sur is prone to storm damage, rockfall, trail closures, Highway 1 landslides. Always check current conditions before visiting: State Park Trail Info

Traveling Highway 101?

Here are more of my favorite stops along the route:

👉 Explore all my Highway 101 guides here

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