Pfeiffer Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pfeiffer Park is located in the state of California and is part of the larger Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is a popular destination for visitors because of its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historical significance. One of the main attractions in the park is the Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that can be accessed via a 2-mile round trip hike. Other notable points of interest include the Big Sur River Gorge, the Valley View Trail, and the Redwood Deck. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking in the park.

Interesting facts about the area include that it is home to some of the tallest redwood trees in the world, with some reaching heights of over 300 feet. The park is also a popular spot for spotting wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and coyotes.

The best time of year to visit Pfeiffer Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get very busy during peak season (summer), so it is best to plan ahead and arrive early. Overall, Pfeiffer Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities of California.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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