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Sign to Pfeiffer Falls | Hiking at Big Sur Lodge

Hiking

Pull on your boots and hike deep into the tree-lined canyons of beautiful redwoods thought only to be seen on postcards. When you stay at Big Sur Lodge, trails of panoramic wonders are right outside your door. Step off the porch and begin your adventure.

As a guest of Big Sur Lodge, you receive free admission to three state parks for exploring the Big Sur wilderness: Pfeiffer Big State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer State Park.

Popular trails to enjoy:

Pfeiffer Big State Park

Easy
Pfeiffer Falls:1.4 miles round trip. A scenic hike along Pfeiffer Big Sur Creek through one of the park’s finest redwood groves ends which ends at a dramatic 60-foot high waterfall.

Valley View: 2 miles round trip from the trailhead or 1/2 mile from Pfeiffer Falls leads to beautiful views of Point Sur and the Big Sur Valley.

Easy to Moderate
Oak Grove Trail: 3 miles round trip from the Big Sur Lodge. This trail intersects with the Pfeiffer Falls trail. Explore a variety of ecosystems beginning with redwood groves, open oak woodlands, and dry chaparral.

Moderate
Buzzard’s Roost: 4.8 miles round trip loop. Hike along shady redwoods to a switchback trail through tan oaks and bay trees, peaking at Pfeiffer Ridge with beautiful coastal views.

Strenuous
Mount Manuel Trail: 8 miles round trip beginning at the Oak Grove Trail. A steep climb to the top of 3,379-foot Manuel Peak.

Andrew Molera State Park

Located 5 miles north of Big Sur Lodge on Highway 1. A complimentary pass to Andrew Molera State Park is included with your stay at Big Sur Lodge.

Easy
Creamery Meadow to Molera Beach: 2 miles round trip. A stroll through Creamery Meadow takes you to a driftwood covered Molera Beach.

Moderate to Strenuous
Molera 8-mile loop: 8 miles round trip. A combination of the Ridge Trail, the Panorama Trail and the Bluffs Trail with great coastal views and beach access.

Many of the trails at Andrew Molera have mountain bike access. Directly across Highway 1 from Andrew Molera State Park is the entrance to the Old Coast Road, which is also great for mountain biking.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

11 miles south on Highway 1. Access to this day park is included with your stay at Big Sur Lodge.

Easy
McWay Waterfall Trail: .64 miles round trip. A quick walk to an overlook facing McWay Falls, an incredible 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto a sandy beach.

Moderate to Strenuous
Ewoldsen Trail: 4.5 miles round trip. A loop trail starting in the redwood forest by McWay Creek and climbing to incredible coastal views.

Pfeiffer Beach

Directions: Travel 1/2 mile south on Highway 1. Turn right onto Sycamore Canyon Rd. Two miles to the beach. Day Use Fee: $5 per car.

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