Moderate

Pfeiffer Falls Trail

Redwoods to a 60-foot falls, then a short climb to valley views.

Distance2 mi

Typical time1 hr

DifficultyModerate

PetsNot allowed

Overview

A short, crowd‑pleasing Big Sur classic: shady redwoods, a dramatic gorge crossing, a 60‑foot waterfall, and an optional overlook of the Big Sur River Valley—all in a compact outing. Expect about 2.0 miles total, round trip, if you visit Pfeiffer Falls and take the Valley View spur. The path is well‑built with stairs and railings, but it’s still a true trail, not a stroll.

Route and Highlights

From the Big Sur Lodge area, follow the River Path and Redwood Deck to the signed trailhead. The trail climbs through cool redwood forest to a junction. A short spur right leads to Pfeiffer Falls, a 60‑foot cascade over mossy granite with benches nearby. Back at the junction, the Valley View spur climbs more steeply through oak woodland to a panoramic lookout over the Big Sur River Valley; on clear days you can spot Point Sur and Andrew Molera in the distance. Along the way you’ll cross a stout, high footbridge spanning a gorge—one of the hike’s signature moments.

What to Expect

Terrain: maintained dirt tread with stair sections, switchbacks, and protective fencing in places. Elevation gain is roughly 500 feet (about 200 feet to the junction, ~300 more to Valley View).
Scenery: classic redwood canyon transitioning to sun‑warmed oak slopes—nice contrast for such a short loop.
Wildlife: keep an eye out for deer, Steller’s jays, wild turkeys, and the occasional bobcat or condor overhead.

Status and Conditions

The gorge footbridge was damaged in January 2023 and the route reopened after repairs in September 2025; it is open as of November 9, 2025. Waterfall flow varies widely—go after rain for the best show. After storms, check for day‑of closures.

Best Time to Hike

Mornings or weekdays beat the crowds and give soft light in the redwoods. Winter–spring offers the strongest waterfall; summer can be dry and the falls may shrink to a trickle. Day use generally runs from 8 a.m. to sunset. Cell service is spotty—download maps before you go.

Logistics, Access, and Rules

Parking: day‑use Lots #1–#2 near the park entrance, then walk the River Path/Redwood Deck to the trailhead by Big Sur Lodge. A day‑use fee (around $10/vehicle) is typically charged.
Pets: no dogs on this trail (service animals excepted). For dog‑friendly options, look to nearby national forest trails and confirm rules.
Accessibility: this route has stairs and uneven grades. If you need something flatter, try the River Path/Warden’s Path loop (~0.6 miles) in the day‑use area.
Getting there: Highway 1 can close due to slides—verify road status before you drive.

Should You Hike It?

Yes—this is one of the park’s best short hikes, with two distinct payoffs (waterfall + vista) and a memorable bridge. It gets busy and the falls can be underwhelming in dry months, but the redwood atmosphere and efficient routing make it a strong pick for most visitors.

Pros

Dramatic high footbridge over the gorge adds a unique perspective.
Two classic payoffs—waterfall and valley overlook—in a compact route.
Cool redwood shade keeps the climb comfortable on warm days.

Cons

Narrow stairs and bridges create bottlenecks during busy hours.
Poison oak encroaches along the upper Valley View section.
Waterfall can be a trickle in dry months.

Parking

Park in Day Use Lot #1 or #2 near the entrance, then follow the River Path across the Redwood Deck to the signed trailhead by Big Sur Lodge.

Caution

Expect stair climbs, a high footbridge, and poison oak; sections may close after storms, Highway 1 access can be cut by slides, and the waterfall is minimal in dry periods.