Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
RV Guide

The snows come in late fall and often linger until late spring, so many of the mountain trails are inaccessible during this period. Even in the snow, the park’s day-use area remains in full swing. If you’ve never played softball while there is snow on the ground, the day-use area needs to be on your bucket list. This part of the park is also close to the Pfeiffer Waterfall. The day-use area also includes several large group picnic areas and the photo-op, the Colonial Tree.

This trail may be one of the most challenging eight-mile hikes in the state. If you plan to hike the Mount Manuel Trail, prepare for your trek by packing lots of water, sturdy and dependable hiking gear, and sunscreen, as there is no shade, and hikers are completely exposed during this strenuous trek. It’s not quite mountain climbing, but it's very close. It is not recommended for new hikers or those with any kind of medical impairments. With that being said, the risk is worth the reward if you can hike, as the end of the trail offers impressive views of both the mountains and the ocean.

Begin or end your stay at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with a trip to this spacious and modern Visitor Center. Get tons of tourist information from this site that also functions as a ranger station. Not many state parks have a facility like this one. Cell service is excellent here, so it’s a great place to upload photos. There is lots of parking at this wheelchair-friendly facility. Take a few minutes to stop by on your way to the park and get some valuable info like maps and trail conditions.

According to her diary, one day in 1908, Florence Pfeiffer became agitated when she witnessed a guest mistreating his mule. After forbidding him from further abusive actions, she decided that from that moment on, she would charge that guest for each bed and meal when he stayed there. And so, the concept of Big Sur Lodge was born. Today, the lodge is a serene place that still maintains that frontier spirit. In addition to places to eat, there’s also a grocery store, bar, pool, and other amenities. There are several scenic overlooks, and many people call this part of the park a mini-Yosemite.

This 0.7-mile trail is a lot like the River Path Loop. Both trails are paved, and both allow leashed dogs. But the Nature Trail is just a bit longer, and it’s also a little closer to the ocean. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has no beach access, and the adjacent Pfeiffer Beach is not part of the California state parks system. This nice and easy walk is suitable for newbies and gives you some insight into some of the stunning flora in and around the park.

The Valley View Trail is part of the park that was touched by fire and is almost entirely untouched by development. Part of the trail sometimes closes due to weather even during the warm months, so check with a ranger before you head out. The trail is rated as a moderate-strenuous level trail. Some steep parts may require some special equipment and experience. At one point, the trail forks to the left and right. The left fork leads to the Valley View Overlook, which offers a beautiful view of the entire Big Sur River Valley. The right fork ends near the six-story-high Pfeiffer Waterfall.

The Big Sur River Gorge Trail is noteworthy because, in less than a half-mile, visitors go from one of the most developed areas of the park to one of the most undeveloped areas. So, you get the best of both worlds. The flat and wide boardwalk-style nature trail is stroller and wheelchair-friendly. At the end of the trail, there’s a collection of boulders and other natural obstacles that lead directly to the Big Sur River. Adventurous hikers may continue past the trail and into the cool waters of the Big Sur River.

The closer you get to Point Sur, which is in the northern area of the park, the better the birdwatching becomes. The Big Sur region is the primary California condor foraging and roosting area. Closer to the coastline, there are several Peregrine falcon families, and other notable birds include western snowy plovers, pelagic cormorants, ashy storm-petrels, and tufted puffins. Be sure to pack your binoculars and cameras in the RV before heading out to the park.

One of the most accessible trails in the park, the River Path Loop is also a great place to experience the area’s ecology. This trail, which is also a stroller and wheelchair-friendly walkway, follows the Big Sur River’s banks. Don’t miss the grove of five-hundred-year-old redwood trees, including the distinctive Proboscis Tree. Expect to see and hear lots of woodpeckers and squirrels along the way. This walk is a perfect way to start your day or wrap up a fun day on the water.

This moderately traveled trail can get busy on weekends, so it may not be ideal if you are looking to get away from it all. The difficulty of the trail is moderate, as well, with some steep ascents and descents, along with some rough parts. Hikers will need hiking boots, and some hiking experience is recommended. At the end of the three-mile trail, there is a scenic overlook that affords one of the few ocean views at this park. Make sure you pack your camera because this point also overlooks the Santa Lucia Mountains along with Sycamore Canyon.

Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more California state park adventures, check out our Custer State Park RV guide, explore our Anastasia State Park camping guide, and discover our San Jose to South Lake Tahoe road trip guide.