Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Update (July 26th, 2025)

Expect delays when driving to Big Sur from Monterey/Carmel due to work at the Rocky Creek Slip out area. There is a one lane section of highway here, with daytime flaggers and a 24/7 traffic light.

Caltrans will implement a full overnight closure of Highway 1 at Rocky Creek, approximately 12 miles south of Carmel, on Sunday, July 27, to accommodate emergency repairs to a seawall beneath the highway.

The closure will begin at 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, and the highway is scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday, July 28.

April 16th, 2025- The Overlook Trail to view McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns is CLOSED for a long-term retaining wall repair project. This project will limit parking spaces inside the park and is expected to continue into 2026. The only place to view the McWay Falls is from a small viewing area on the side of Highway 1. The Ewoldsen Trail will remain open.

NOTE: Highway 1 is CLOSED to all traffic including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists 5 miles south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns due to the landslide "Regents Slide." Please see the Highway 1 closure info and maps on our websites. There is currently no anticipated date for the full opening of Highway 1 at Regent's Slide.

Highway 1 remains closed between Esalen Institute and Lucia.

Visitors can now access Limekiln State Park for Day Use from the Cambria/San Simeon area. Limekiln State park is open for limited day use. Please visit the website link on the right side of our page for more information.

Camping reservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com up to 6 months in advance.

Always check area weather forecasts and road updates before visiting. NOAA Weather- Big Sur

For more information about USFS properties and current closures, please visit USFS - Los Padres National Forest - Big Sur

For current highway closures and conditions please visit CalTrans - Road Conditions Map

Park Hours

8am to Sunset

Contact Information

(831) 667-1112

Are dogs Allowed?

Reservation Availability

No Online Reservations at this time.

About Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. The park features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the The park also has a 1,680-acre underwater reserve which protects a spectacular assortment of marine life. Special-use permits allow experienced divers to explore the reserve. Seals, sea lions and sea otters can be seen in the park's cove. Hikers can discover the park's backcountry via several trail systems. There is no park kiosk at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for fee collection. Campers should register at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or Big Sur Station. For Special Events in the parks such as weddings and small celebrations, please e-mail Special Events at BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov.

View the Park Accessibility Information

Park Directions

Get directions through Google Maps

The park is 37 miles south of Carmel on Hwy 1, and 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur SP on Hwy 1.

Brochures

News and Events

Upcoming Events All Events for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Most Recent News Releases

3/31/24: All State Parks in Big Sur Area Closed Due to Highway 1 Road Slip Out

All News Releases for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Passes Information

This park accepts the following passes:

List of all California State Park Passes

Activities and Facilities

EV Information

E-Bike Locations
EV Charger Locations

Overnight Facilities

Environmental Campsites

Other Facilities

Parking

Restrooms

Drinking Water Available

Day-Use Activities & Facilities

Picnic Areas

Exhibits and Programs

Interpretive Exhibits

Nature & Wildlife Viewing

Trail Use

Hiking Trails

Concessionaires

Wildlife Sanctuary and Educational Programs

Ventana Wildlife Society

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: 07/11/2025

About Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

* * * CLOSED AREAS ***
THERE IS NO BEACH OR OCEAN ACCESS at McWAY FALLS

Cliff areas beyond the fenced boundaries, including the BEACH, SADDLE ROCK and MCWAY FALLS area are completely off limits. Trespassing into these closed areas is a serious offense, resulting in a citation and arrest. The areas are extremely hazardous. Failure to respect the boundaries has resulted in complex rescue operations and tragic loss of lives. Please stay on the trail and out of these closed areas.

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-50s (Fahrenheit). Winter daytime temperatures can be low 50s-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 35.8 on Highway 1, the park is 37 miles south of Carmel.
GOOGLE MAP

Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP

Image Gallery

View the full gallery