Here’s a welcome bit of news for RVers who love Big Sur: The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is open again!
This short redwood hike is one of the park’s most photographed spots. Now it’s back open after crews rebuilt the trail’s damaged bridge and repaired the trail’s storm-battered sections. It’s a great detour if you want to stretch your legs away from Highway 1.
Why folks come
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the region’s most popular spots. The park sees roughly 750,000 people a year, and the Pfeiffer Falls Trail is regularly named among its biggest draws.
The attraction is simple. There’s a short forest walk through towering redwoods that delivers a view of a 60-foot multi-strand waterfall. There’s also a dramatic creek ravine framed by magnificent ancient trees.
The Falls Trail combines easy access, old-growth forest, and a photogenic waterfall. That is what keeps families, day-trippers, and RVers coming and coming… and still coming.
Closure
In January 2023, a winter storm toppled a redwood and wrecked a 70-foot wooden pedestrian bridge that spans the Pfeiffer Redwood Creek ravine. That damage forced the trail’s closure.
However, that wasn’t the only interruption in the trail’s recent history. The route has seen long shutdowns and repairs tied to past wildfires and flood events (notably fire damage in the late 2000s). Rebuilding in this steep, forested ravine has required careful planning and extra work.
Rebuilding efforts
The bridge and trail repairs were completed through a partnership that included California State Parks, the California Conservation Corps, and the Save the Redwoods League.
Conserving the old structure where possible, crews replaced damaged sections, rebuilt approaches, and reinforced trail infrastructure to better withstand future storms. The engineering, permitting, funding, and the tricky work of rebuilding inside a sensitive redwood ravine added time. That’s why the fix took more than a year-and-a-half.
Trail info
Pfeiffer Falls is often described as a short but scenic hike. The trail is about 0.75 miles one way, with some uphill sections and a few narrow stretches. Hike difficulty is commonly rated as easy to moderate. It’s family-friendly for most people who can handle a short climb and some roots and rocks underfoot.
Trail time is typically under an hour for most visitors who stick to the waterfall viewpoint. If you combine it with the Valley View Overlook, you’ll add distance and climbing, and time.
Trail tips
If you go, plan for shady, cool conditions under the redwood canopy. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a rain jacket in storm season.
RV-specific tips
Plan to arrive early on weekends and holidays. Parking fills fast, and Big Sur traffic on Highway 1 can be slow. If you’re staying overnight in the area, Pfeiffer Big Sur has campground and lodging options. (Check ReserveCalifornia and the park website for current status and reservations).
Because this trail sits inside a heavily visited park, expect crowds midday. Sunrise or early afternoon on weekdays are the easiest times for a quieter visit. Because the trail has a history of weather-related damage, always check the State Parks trail status page before driving in.
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RVT1128b
Thank you for the news, Gail! Sounds quite attractive, but also typically congested. Have a great day and safe travels!
Sadly Big Sur is “loved to death”. Though just less than an hours drive from my house I rarely go anymore, too many tourists.
Same here. Go early, on a weekday if possible…never on a holiday weekend, and plan on heading back in the early afternoon.
It may be cool under the canopy, but the weather is changing, and there are many days when it can feel surprisingly warm. It’s pretty steep too.