Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

UPDATE (June 30, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some guidelines for people visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park:

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
Statewide:
  • Many campgrounds across the state remain closed until further notice. Some campgrounds have started to reopen with modifications. For more information, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping.
  • Many high public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
  • Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
  • Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
  • Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
  • Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park, beach or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
  • Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
  • Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household. For details, please visit CDPH’s guidance here. Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

 

Phone Number

(831) 667-1112

Max. Trailer Lengths

Trailer: 27 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 32 Feet

Park Hours

           8 a.m. to Sunset

Dogs Allowed?

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.

Driving Directions to Pfeiffer Big Sur SP

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

View on Map

Camping and Lodging

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.

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Lodging
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK IS CLOSED DUE TO DOLAN FIRE

DOLAN FIRE - WHAT'S OPEN UPDATE

    • California State Parks has reopened Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Andrew Molera State Park for active recreation. Some walking trails are open, and parking is available to vehicles on a limited basis. Social distancing protocols of maintaining a 6-ft distance and wearing masks are required.

    • Also opened is the Soberanes Canyon Trail in Garrapata State Park –located on the east side of Highway 1.  California State Parks continues to work to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved.

      Due to the Dolan Fire burning across the southern region of Monterey County, California State Parks urges the public to avoid traveling to impacted areas/park units in Monterey County due to safety and health concerns for any visitors. Air quality remains poor throughout the state.

    • Current Park Closures
      The following State Parks, including all campgrounds, day use areas, and hiking trails, are already closed due to fire and/or traffic concerns on Highway 1 in the greater vicinity of the Dolan Fire: 

      • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
      • John Little State Natural Reserve
      • Limekiln State Park
      • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
      • Point Sur State Historic Park

      California State Parks is asking for the public’s cooperation at this time when our state is severely impacted by the multiple fires burning throughout the state, including fires in Monterey County and in neighboring Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. Your assistance is appreciated!

      For additional information about the Dolan Fire, please see the below resources:

      Dolan Fire 
      California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 
      Incident E-mail:2020.Dolan@firenet.gov 
      Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7018

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

BIG SUR AREA STATE PARKS CAMPGROUND CLOSURES

ANDREW MOLERA State Park
Is CLOSED until further notice. Please visit Andrew Molera State Park
 
PFEIFFER BIG SUR State Park
Is CLOSED until further notice. Please visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
 
JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS State Park
Is CLOSED until further notice. Please visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
 
LIMEKILN State Park
Is CLOSED until further notice. Please visit Limekiln State Park

BIG SUR AREA STATE PARKS TRAIL CLOSURES

ANDREW MOLERA State Park: OPEN TRAILS: Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama, Spring, Bobcat, Coyote Flats, Headlands and East Molera.  NOTE: The seasonal footbridge crossing the Big Sur River has been installed. Hikers wishing to access the beach, Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Bluffs, Panorama and Spring trails do not have to ford the Big Sur River to do so. The footbridge will be removed in October.
 

PFEIFFER BIG SUR State Park: CLOSED TRAILS: Oak Grove, Pfeiffer Falls and Pine Ridge.  OPEN TRAILS: Buzzard's Roost, Valley View, Liewald Flats, Mt. Manuel, River Path, Warden's Path and the Big Sur River Gorge. 
 More trail information at Pfeiffer Big Sur

JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS State Park: CLOSED TRAILS: McWay Falls Overlook and Ewoldsen.  OPEN TRAILS: Tanbark, Tinhouse and Partington Cove.

BIG SUR STATION IS OPEN

swimming hole

Photographs courtesy of Sharon Pieniak