8 a.m. to Sunset
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (September 16, 2021)
What is open?
- Environmental campground (See Camping for more information)
- Waterfall Overlook Trail and Partington Cove Trail (See Trails for more information)
- Day use parking lot
- Restrooms
What is currently closed?
- Ewoldsen Trail remains closed due to damage from the Dolan Fire. (See Trails for more information)
COVID-19 Guidelines - (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(831) 667-1112
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
No
Dogs not allowed beyond day-use parking lot.
Driving Directions to Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
The park is 37 miles south of Carmel on Hwy 1, and 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur SP on Hwy 1.Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Environmental Campsites
Environmental Campsites
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Interpretive Exhibits
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Interpretive Exhibits
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
About Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
* * * CLOSED AREAS ***
THERE IS NO BEACH OR OCEAN ACCESS at McWAY FALLS
This state park is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a well-respected pioneer woman in the Big Sur country. The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The higher elevation trails east of Highway 1 (currently closed) offer panoramic views of the sanctuary and miles of rugged coastline.
Weather
CHECK CURRENT WEATHER
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised. In winter, overnight temperatures can range in the 30s-5os (Fahrenheit). Winter daytime temperatures can be low 50s-70s. In summer, overnight temperatures can range in the 50s-70s, with daytime temperatures typicallys in the 70s-80s. Summer mornings bring fog, which usually burns off by midday.
Location
Near mile marker 35.8 on Highway 1, the park is 37 miles south of Carmel.
GOOGLE MAP
