Contact Number

  • (831) 667-1112

Park Accessibility Information

Park Hours

  • 8am to Sunset

Park Activities

Yes
Dogs allowed on the Warden's Path and River Path, and in day-use lots and campground. Dogs not allowed on all other trails.
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
Hiking Trails

Park Facilities

Trailer: 27 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 32 Feet
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Lodging
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

Park Directions

Get directions through Google Maps

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

HIGHWAY 1 CLOSURES

Northbound / Southbound 1 Full Closure

From Turnout South of Vicente Creek to Turnout South of Lime Creek

Due to Emergency Work
No estimated time for reopening of closure.
Information courtesy of 

Last updated: 07/18/2024 5:15pm

Closure map of highway 1. Current closure is Regent's slide, a 6.8 mile stretch of highway north of Limekiln and south of Eselen Institute.

 

ONGOING OVERNIGHT HIGHWAY 1 CLOSURES

ROAD WORK DELAYS AND CLOSURES UPDATE: 9-24-2024

Rocky Creek

News Release

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

District: 05 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties

Contact: Kevin Drabinski or Genelle Padilla

Phone: (805) 549-3138 or (805) 549-3237

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALTRANS MODIFIES PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED SCHEDULE FOR OVERNIGHT CLOSURES OF HIGHWAY 1 AT ROCKY CREEK

MONTEREY COUNTY – Caltrans will continue with emergency repairs to Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge, 12 miles south of Carmel. Caltrans previously stabilized and reinforced Highway 1 at this location after a March 30 slipout resulted in a loss of a section of the southbound lane.

Upcoming Repair Schedule Update

Travelers will encounter an intermittent closure of Hwy. 1 at Rocky Creek with flaggers from 10 pm to 6 am, on Wednesday Sept. 25, and a full overnight closure of Hwy. 1 at Rocky Creek from 10 pm to 6 am, on Thursday Sept. 26. 

No closures are scheduled for Friday Sept. 27 and Saturday Sept. 28.

Five consecutive nights of full overnight closures are set from 10 pm to 6 am on Sunday Sept. 29 thru Thursday Oct. 3.  The need for additional full overnight closures for Friday Oct. 4 and the following weekend will be determined based on progress with the concrete pours as crews continue with construction of the reinforced concrete support columns.
Updates will be provided regarding any additional closures for the week of Oct. 6.

Overnight Closures Needed for Construction of Support Columns

Crews are entering a critical phase of construction of the southbound section of the Rocky Creek viaduct. This viaduct is a bridge-like structure and during this next phase reinforced concrete support columns will be cast to support the weight of the structure.

Because this phase of construction involves drilling and concrete work in open holes, it is necessary for crews to maximize the number of consecutive shifts with full overnight closures so that the integrity of the bored holes is preserved. Working on an uninterrupted schedule also allows for this phase to be completed in advance of wet weather, reducing the chance for water intrusion and delays to the project schedule.

Daytime travelers will continue to enjoy access through the repair site driving on the northbound lane and directed by a temporary signal system.

Once construction of the southbound section of the Rocky Creek viaduct is complete, travel will be directed onto this southbound section and work will begin on construction of the northbound portion of the viaduct.

The estimate for completion of the Rocky Creek viaduct is summer 2025 and is dependent on conditions encountered during construction. The contractor for this project is Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Alamo, CA.

Highway 1 remains closed 40 miles south of Carmel due to the Regent’s Slide.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Our crews deserve to get home safely too.

Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

About Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

THERE IS NO BEACH OR OCEAN ACCESS IN THIS PARK

The turn-off for popular Pfeiffer Beach is located on Highway 1, approximately one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's entrance. Heading south from the State Park entrance, it is the second right turn. Pfeiffer Beach is not a California State Park and charges a separate entrance fee.

On the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. Walk along the banks of the river and among the redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows. A large campground accommodates hikers, bikers, car campers and RVers. Many campsites are located along the Big Sur River. Wildlife includes bobcats, black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and birds, such as dippers and belted kingfishers. Hikers can enjoy many scenic trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Big Sur Lodge is located in the park. The lodge has 61 guest rooms, a conference center, cafe, and a grocery store.

Weather

CHECK CURRENT WEATHER
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised. In winter, overnight temperatures can range in the 30s-50s (Fahrenheit). Winter daytime temperatures can be low 50s-mid 70s. In summer, overnight temperatures can range in the 50s-70s, with daytime temperatures typically in the 70s-80s. Summer mornings bring fog, which usually burns off by midday.

Location
Near mile marker 47.2 on Highway 1, the park is located 26 miles south of Carmel.
GOOGLE MAP

swimming hole

Ewoldsen Nature Center Now Open Friday through Tuesday

The Ewoldsen Nature Center is now open for all visitors to enjoy on
Friday through Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Set amidst life-size murals of Big Sur's natural habitat areas, visitors are encouraged to learn about the flora and fauna of Pfeiffer State Park and beyond. Adults and children alike can experience what it's like to "Fly like a Condor" at our digital condor flight station designed with actual Big Sur condor flight patterns. Hosted by State Parks staff and volunteers, the Ewoldsen Nature Center is a place of wonder and delight for all who stop by.

We'd love to see you here!!

Ewoldsen Nature Center

Park Interpretive Programs

Schedule p1Schedule p2