Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a renowned natural destination located in California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Visitors are drawn to the park for its beautiful scenery, hiking trails, camping facilities, and wildlife. The park is home to an array of flora and fauna, including redwood trees, otters, bobcats, and mountain lions.
One of the popular attractions in the park is the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, which leads visitors to a stunning waterfall. The trail is approximately one mile long and is suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, the park offers several other hiking trails, including the Valley View Trail, which provides excellent views of the Big Sur Valley.
Another highlight of the park is the Big Sur River, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The river is fed by streams and waterfalls throughout the park and provides a refreshing respite from the California heat.
Visitors interested in camping can choose from several campgrounds within the park, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground and the Big Sur Lodge Campground. Both offer tent and RV camping options, as well as cabins for rent.
The best time to visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, it is important to note that the park can be busy during the summer months, so advanced planning is recommended.
In conclusion, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers. With its beautiful scenery, hiking trails, camping facilities, and wildlife, the park offers something for everyone.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Ventana Campground
Outlaw Camp
Hike & Bike. Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Entrance
Terrace Creek Campsite
Andrew Molera State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Point Sur State Historic Park